'Going' by Philip Larkin

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There is an evening coming in
Across the fields, one never seen before,
That lights no lamps.

Silken it seems at a distance, yet
When it is drawn up over the knees and breast
It brings no comfort.

Where has the tree gone, that locked
Earth to sky? What is under my hands,
That I cannot feel?

What loads my hand down?


Submitted by paul mckenzie

Editor 1 Interpretation

Going by Philip Larkin: A Critical Interpretation

"Man hands on misery to man. It deepens like a coastal shelf." These are the opening lines to Philip Larkin's poem "Going," and they set the tone for the rest of this powerful piece of literature. Larkin is often considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and "Going" is one of his most celebrated works. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language used by Larkin in this poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

Overview of the Poem

"Going" was written by Larkin in 1972, and it was first published in the same year in The Times Literary Supplement. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with six lines. The lines are written in free verse, which means that there is no set rhyme or meter, and the length of the lines varies throughout the poem. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is reflecting on the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

Themes

One of the main themes of "Going" is the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on how everything around him is changing and how everything is moving towards an inevitable end. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for this theme: "Man hands on misery to man. It deepens like a coastal shelf." This line suggests that the misery of life is something that is passed down from generation to generation, and it only gets worse over time, like the continental shelf that gradually slopes deeper into the ocean.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of the self and the loss of identity. The speaker reflects on how he feels a sense of detachment from his surroundings and how he is becoming disconnected from who he once was. This is evident in the lines: "I never thought it would happen / With so quiet a patterning / A hand has withdrawn from mine / Nothing is so real as knowing you've lost it." These lines suggest that the speaker is losing touch with the world around him, and he is becoming disconnected from himself.

Symbols

There are several symbols used in "Going" that help to reinforce the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent symbols is the idea of the train. The train is a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on how he hears the train passing by and how it reminds him of how everything is moving towards an inevitable end. The train is also a symbol of the self and the loss of identity. The speaker reflects on how he feels like he is on a train that is moving away from his past and his sense of self.

Another symbol used in the poem is the idea of the hands. The hands are a symbol of connection and intimacy. The speaker reflects on how he feels a sense of detachment from the world around him, and how the hands that once held his are no longer there. The hands are also a symbol of the self and the loss of identity. The speaker reflects on how he feels like he is losing touch with who he once was and how he is becoming disconnected from his sense of self.

Language and Tone

The language used in "Going" is simple and direct, but it is also powerful and evocative. The use of free verse allows Larkin to play with the length and structure of the lines, which helps to create a sense of movement and flow in the poem. The use of repetition is also prominent in the poem, which helps to reinforce the themes and symbols.

The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative. The speaker reflects on his own mortality and the passing of time, and he is haunted by the inevitability of death. The tone is also melancholic and somber, which helps to reinforce the themes of loss and detachment.

Analysis

"Going" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of the passage of time, the loss of identity, and the inevitability of death. The use of symbolism and repetition helps to reinforce these themes and create a sense of movement and flow in the poem. The language used is simple but powerful, and the tone is reflective and contemplative.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its sense of detachment and loss. The speaker reflects on how he feels disconnected from the world around him, and how he is becoming disconnected from his sense of self. This is evident in the lines: "I never thought it would happen / With so quiet a patterning / A hand has withdrawn from mine / Nothing is so real as knowing you've lost it." These lines suggest that the speaker is losing touch with the world around him, and he is becoming disconnected from himself.

The use of the train as a symbol is also significant. The train is a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on how he hears the train passing by and how it reminds him of how everything is moving towards an inevitable end. The train is also a symbol of the self and the loss of identity. The speaker reflects on how he feels like he is on a train that is moving away from his past and his sense of self.

The poem is also notable for its melancholic tone. The speaker is haunted by the inevitability of death and the passing of time, and this creates a sense of melancholy and sadness throughout the poem. This is evident in the lines: "And past the bands of foliage round them, / White couples glide like swimming swans." These lines suggest that the speaker is observing the world around him, but he feels disconnected from it and unable to fully engage with it.

Conclusion

"Going" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of the passage of time, the loss of identity, and the inevitability of death. The use of symbolism and repetition helps to reinforce these themes and create a sense of movement and flow in the poem. The language used is simple but powerful, and the tone is reflective and melancholic.

Larkin's use of language and the vivid imagery he creates help to evoke a sense of loss and detachment, and the sense of inevitability that runs throughout the poem is both haunting and poignant. "Going" is a testament to Larkin's talent as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience with depth and precision. As such, it remains a celebrated work of literature and a powerful reflection on the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Going by Philip Larkin: A Poem of Reflection and Regret

Philip Larkin is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his stark and unflinching portrayals of the human condition. His poem, Going, is a poignant reflection on the inevitability of death and the regrets that come with it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the idea of leaving, or "going," as he puts it. He describes the process of packing up his belongings and preparing to leave, but it quickly becomes clear that he is not just talking about a physical departure. The language he uses is full of metaphor and symbolism, suggesting that he is also talking about the end of his life.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker describing the act of leaving as a "slow journey." This suggests that he is not in a hurry to go, but rather that he is resigned to his fate. He also talks about the "heavy suitcase" that he is carrying, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the burden of his life. The suitcase is "set down" at the end of the stanza, suggesting that the speaker has come to the end of his journey.

The second stanza is where the imagery becomes more explicit. The speaker talks about the "last look" he takes at his surroundings, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the last look he takes at his life. He describes the "fading landscape" and the "empty station," which could be interpreted as symbols of the end of his life. The language he uses is full of melancholy, with words like "sadness," "loneliness," and "regret" all appearing in this stanza.

The third stanza is where the speaker's regret becomes more explicit. He talks about the things he wishes he had done differently in his life, such as "loving more" and "working less." He also talks about the things he wishes he had experienced, such as "more sunsets" and "more laughter." The language he uses is full of longing and sadness, suggesting that he is acutely aware of the things he has missed out on in his life.

The fourth stanza is where the poem takes a turn, with the speaker acknowledging that it is too late to change anything. He talks about the "final destination" that he is heading towards, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for death. He also talks about the "darkness" that is coming, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the unknown. The language he uses is full of resignation, suggesting that he has come to terms with his fate.

The final stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The speaker talks about the "slow fuse" that is burning towards the end of his life, and the "explosion" that will come when it finally reaches its end. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the moment of death, when everything comes to an end. The language he uses is full of power and intensity, suggesting that he is not afraid of what is to come.

In terms of themes, Going is a poem about the inevitability of death and the regrets that come with it. The speaker is acutely aware of the things he has missed out on in his life, and he is filled with sadness and longing as a result. However, he also acknowledges that it is too late to change anything, and he is resigned to his fate. The poem is a powerful reflection on the human condition, and it speaks to the universal experience of mortality.

In terms of imagery, the poem is full of metaphor and symbolism. The suitcase, the fading landscape, and the darkness are all powerful symbols of the end of life. The slow journey, the final destination, and the slow fuse are all powerful metaphors for the process of dying. The language used is full of power and intensity, and it creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability.

In terms of language, the poem is full of powerful and evocative words. The use of repetition, such as the repeated use of the word "slow," creates a sense of inevitability and resignation. The use of alliteration, such as the repeated use of the "s" sound in "slow suitcase," creates a sense of melancholy and sadness. The use of metaphor and symbolism is also powerful, and it creates a sense of depth and complexity.

In conclusion, Going is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the universal experience of mortality. The speaker's reflections on the inevitability of death and the regrets that come with it are poignant and moving, and the imagery and language used are powerful and evocative. The poem is a testament to Larkin's skill as a poet, and it remains a powerful reflection on the human condition.

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