This is a very apposite quotation that we can apply to
Philip Larkin. What he is famous for is the way his poetry deals with colloquial
language of the United Kingdom. In some poems, he even uses swear words. His poetry,
because of this, is instantly accessible and the use of plain language shows how he
believed in the value of tradition and a suspicion of modern technology and
advancements. Such an approach allows Larkin to really be identified with by the people
of Britain. His cynical bleakness that make up so much of the tone of his poetry
captures the imagination of a post-World War II population that found their country and
their prestige greatly reduced. Thus we can safely say that Larkin was a poet for the
"common man" through the way that he appealed to the everyday citizen of Britain through
his diction and style.
However, we can also clearly argue
that he was an "uncommon poet" in his ability to reach out to all sectors of society and
remove poetry from being the possession of the well-off and educated. Larkin speaks from
his own viewpoint in a number of his poems, and yet each and every one offers unique and
novel reflections on the essential human condition, isolation, loneliness and religion.
You have only to look at a poem like "Church Going" or "Whitsun Weddings" to see that,
in the midst of his accessible language and style, Larkin offers profound philosophical
comment. It it these two aspects coupled together that make him
unique.
No comments:
Post a Comment