'The School In August' by Philip Larkin
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The cloakroom pegs are empty now,
And locked the classroom door,
The hollow desks are lined with dust,
And slow across the floor
A sunbeam creeps between the chairs
Till the sun shines no more.
Who did their hair before this glass?
Who scratched 'Elaine loves Jill'
One drowsy summer sewing-class
With scissors on the sill?
Who practised this piano
Whose notes are now so still?
Ah, notices are taken down,
And scorebooks stowed away,
And seniors grow tomorrow
From the juniors today,
And even swimming groups can fade,
Games mistresses turn grey.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The School in August by Philip Larkin: An Analysis of Human Emotion
The School in August by Philip Larkin is a poem that captures the bittersweet atmosphere of a school during the summer holidays, when the students are away and the teachers are left to prepare for the new term. The poem is a reflection of the human emotion that is experienced in such a setting, drawing on the themes of nostalgia, loneliness, and anticipation. Through its use of language, imagery, and structure, the poem captures the essence of human emotion in a way that is both poignant and relatable.
The Language of Nostalgia
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the work, with Larkin's use of language creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. The opening lines, "The trees are coming into leaf / Like something almost being said" (1-2), create a sense of anticipation for the coming season, while also acknowledging the transitory nature of time. The use of the phrase "something almost being said" creates a sense of mystery, suggesting that there are deeper, unspoken emotions at play.
This sense of nostalgia is continued throughout the poem, with Larkin's use of language evoking a sense of melancholy and longing. The phrase "the emptiness / Of the sky, the bareness of the land" (5-6) creates a sense of emptiness and loneliness, suggesting that the absence of the students has left the school feeling empty and desolate. This feeling is further reinforced by the use of the phrase "the silence laid like carpet" (7), which creates a sense of quietness and stillness.
The Imagery of Loneliness
Larkin's use of imagery is also central to the emotional impact of the poem, with his descriptions of the school creating a sense of loneliness and isolation. The use of the phrase "the empty classrooms and the full-hearted fools" (10) creates a sense of contrast, suggesting that the teachers are left feeling lonely and isolated in the absence of the students. The image of the "empty desks" (11) further reinforces this sense of emptiness, creating a sense of loss and longing for the students who are no longer there.
The imagery of the poem also creates a sense of detachment from the outside world, with the school acting as a kind of cocoon for the teachers who are left to prepare for the new term. This is reflected in the image of "the sun-comprehending glass" (13), which creates a sense of isolation from the outside world. The use of the word "comprehending" suggests that the glass is able to understand and contain the emotions of the teachers, creating a sense of confinement and claustrophobia.
The Structure of Anticipation
The structure of the poem is also important in creating a sense of anticipation and expectation for the coming term. The use of the phrase "the last of the light is still / A long way off" (17-18) creates a sense of anticipation for the coming season, suggesting that the teachers are looking forward to the new term with a sense of excitement and expectation. The repetition of the phrase "a long way off" creates a sense of distance and time, suggesting that the teachers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the students.
This sense of anticipation is further reinforced by the final stanza of the poem, which creates a sense of excitement and optimism for the coming term. The use of the phrase "soon now, soon" (22) creates a sense of urgency and excitement, suggesting that the teachers are eager for the new term to begin. The final line of the poem, "They grip the rail, their faces screwed in effort" (23), creates an image of determination and purpose, suggesting that the teachers are ready to face the challenges of the new term with enthusiasm and energy.
Conclusion
Overall, The School in August by Philip Larkin is a powerful exploration of human emotion, drawing on themes of nostalgia, loneliness, and anticipation to create a sense of bittersweet longing. Through its use of language, imagery, and structure, the poem captures the essence of the school during the summer holidays, creating a sense of detachment from the outside world and a sense of anticipation for the coming term. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, capturing the determination and optimism of the teachers as they prepare for the challenges of the new term.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The School In August: A Poem That Captures the Essence of Summer
Summer is a season that is often associated with freedom, relaxation, and fun. It is a time when students can take a break from their studies and enjoy the warm weather. However, for teachers, summer can be a time of preparation and anticipation for the upcoming school year. In his poem, The School In August, Philip Larkin captures the essence of this transition period and the conflicting emotions that come with it.
The poem begins with a description of the school building during the summer months. Larkin paints a vivid picture of the empty classrooms and hallways, which are now devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of students and teachers. The silence is almost deafening, and the only sounds that can be heard are the distant hum of lawnmowers and the occasional bird chirping.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is one of nostalgia and longing. Larkin's use of imagery and sensory language creates a sense of emptiness and loss, as if something important is missing from the scene. This feeling is further emphasized in the second stanza, where Larkin describes the school grounds as "a world extinct" and "a dead town". The use of these words suggests that the school is no longer alive or vibrant, but rather a relic of the past.
However, despite the sense of loss and emptiness, there is also a feeling of anticipation and excitement in the poem. This is evident in the third stanza, where Larkin describes the preparations that are being made for the new school year. The caretaker is busy painting the gates, and the headmaster is making plans for the upcoming term. These actions suggest that the school is not dead or extinct, but rather undergoing a transformation in preparation for the return of its students.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most poignant in the poem, as Larkin describes the feeling of nostalgia that comes with the end of summer. The "last week of summer" is a time of reflection and remembrance, as teachers prepare to say goodbye to the freedom and relaxation of the season. Larkin's use of the phrase "the end of something" suggests that this is not just the end of summer, but also the end of a certain period in the teachers' lives.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. Larkin describes the school as a "timeless place", but also acknowledges that it is constantly changing and evolving. The final lines of the poem, "And all the times are changing, and all the men / Are leaving or have gone, and all the lives / Unlived, unnoticed, fade away...", suggest that the school is a microcosm of life itself, with its own cycles of birth, growth, and decay.
Overall, The School In August is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of summer and the conflicting emotions that come with the end of the season. Larkin's use of imagery and sensory language creates a vivid picture of the school during the summer months, and his reflections on the passing of time and the inevitability of change give the poem a universal appeal. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or simply someone who has experienced the passing of time, The School In August is a poem that will resonate with you and leave you with a sense of nostalgia and longing.
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