'Whatever Happened?' by Philip Larkin
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At once whatever happened starts receding.
Panting, and back on board, we line the rail
With trousers ripped, light wallets, and lips bleeding.
Yes, gone, thank God! Remembering each detail
We toss for half the night, but find next day
All's kodak-distant. Easily, then (though pale),
'Perspective brings significance,' we say,
Unhooding our photometers, and, snap!
What can't be printed can be thrown away.
Later, it's just a latitude: the map
Points out how unavoidable it was:
'Such coastal bedding always means mishap.'
Curses? The dark? Struggling? Where's the source
Of these yarns now (except in nightmares, of course)?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Whatever Happened? - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
I am thrilled to delve into the world of Philip Larkin's poetry, and with Whatever Happened? as my subject, I am excited to explore the various literary devices and themes that make this poem a timeless classic.
Background
Philip Larkin was one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his stark, realistic portrayals of everyday life. He was also a jazz critic and a librarian, which allowed him to observe and document the human experience from various angles.
Whatever Happened? was published in his collection titled "High Windows" in 1974, and it remains one of his most popular poems to date. The poem is structured in three stanzas, with each stanza exploring a different theme.
Form and Structure
At first glance, Whatever Happened? appears to be a simple poem, but upon closer examination, the structure and form reveal a deeper meaning. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it has no rhyme or meter. This style of writing allows Larkin to convey his message in a conversational tone, as if he is speaking directly to the reader.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. This structure is reminiscent of a haiku, a traditional Japanese poem that conveys a sense of stillness and contemplation. The short lines and stanzas create a sense of brevity, as if Larkin is trying to convey his message in the most concise way possible.
Themes
The themes explored in Whatever Happened? are universal and relatable, which is why the poem remains relevant today. The three stanzas explore the themes of mortality, nostalgia, and the passage of time.
Mortality
The first stanza begins with the line, "Sometimes you hear, fifth-hand, / As epitaph: / He chucked up everything / And just cleared off." This line immediately sets the tone for the poem. Larkin is talking about death and how we often hear about it through hearsay or gossip.
The use of the word "epitaph" is significant because it is a form of remembrance after death. Larkin is questioning the significance of an epitaph when we often don't know the true story behind a person's life.
The second line, "And always the voice will sound / Certain you approve / This audacious, purifying / Elemental move," is a commentary on how society often romanticizes death. The idea of "chucking up everything" and "clearing off" sounds like a bold and brave move, but in reality, death is often tragic and painful.
Nostalgia
The second stanza explores the theme of nostalgia. Larkin writes, "In fact, we all approach that door / The same quietness in awe / Of the great presences, small step / Shouldering the centuries."
The use of the word "door" is significant because it represents the threshold between the past and the present. Larkin is acknowledging that we all have a past, and that past shapes who we are today. The idea of approaching the door with "quietness in awe" conveys a sense of reverence and respect for the past.
The line, "Shouldering the centuries," is a powerful metaphor. It suggests that we are all carrying the weight of history on our shoulders, and that every small step we take is significant in the grand scheme of things. Larkin is suggesting that we should be mindful of our actions and their impact on the future.
The Passage of Time
The third stanza explores the theme of the passage of time. Larkin writes, "Slowly light strengthens, and the room / Takes shape. It stands plain as a wardrobe, / What we know, have always known, / Rising like slow smoke."
The use of the word "slowly" is significant because it suggests that time moves gradually, but inevitably. The idea of light strengthening and the room taking shape is a metaphor for how we gain clarity as we age. The things we have always known become clearer with time.
The line, "Rising like slow smoke," is a beautiful metaphor for the passage of time. Smoke rises slowly and dissipates into the air, much like our memories and experiences. Larkin is suggesting that we should cherish every moment because time is fleeting.
Interpretation
Whatever Happened? is a poignant meditation on life, death, and the passage of time. Larkin is suggesting that we should be mindful of our actions because they have a ripple effect on the future. He is also acknowledging the importance of the past and how it shapes who we are today.
The poem is a reminder to live in the moment and appreciate every experience because time is fleeting. Larkin is asking us to cherish our memories because they are what make us human.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whatever Happened? is a timeless classic that explores universal themes of mortality, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Larkin's use of free verse and short stanzas creates a sense of brevity and immediacy, as if he is speaking directly to the reader.
The poem is a beautiful meditation on the human experience and a reminder to appreciate every moment. Whatever Happened? is a testament to Larkin's talent as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Whatever Happened? by Philip Larkin is a classic poem that explores the theme of nostalgia and the passage of time. The poem is a reflection on the past and the changes that have occurred over time. It is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of human experience.
The poem begins with the speaker asking the question, "Whatever happened to?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the people and places that have disappeared from his life. The poem is structured in three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's past.
In the first stanza, the speaker reflects on the people who have disappeared from his life. He asks, "Whatever happened to the friends of my youth?" This question is a common one, as many people look back on their youth and wonder what happened to the people they used to know. The speaker goes on to describe the people he used to know, saying that they were "full of promise" and "had the world at their feet." However, he notes that they have all disappeared, leaving him alone to wonder what happened to them.
The second stanza of the poem explores the places that have disappeared from the speaker's life. He asks, "Whatever happened to the places we knew?" This question is also a common one, as people often look back on the places they used to know and wonder what happened to them. The speaker describes the places he used to know, saying that they were "full of life" and "had a charm all their own." However, he notes that they have all disappeared, leaving him alone to wonder what happened to them.
The third and final stanza of the poem explores the passage of time and the changes that have occurred over time. The speaker asks, "Whatever happened to the days that we knew?" This question is a reflection on the passage of time and the changes that occur as time passes. The speaker describes the days he used to know, saying that they were "full of promise" and "had a magic all their own." However, he notes that they have all disappeared, leaving him alone to wonder what happened to them.
Overall, Whatever Happened? is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of nostalgia and the passage of time. The poem is a reflection on the past and the changes that have occurred over time. It is a poignant and emotional piece that captures the essence of human experience.
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