'Water' by Philip Larkin

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The Whitsun Weddings1954If I were called in
To construct a religion
I should make use of water.Going to church
Would entail a fording
To dry, different clothes;My litany would employ
Images of sousing,
A furious devout drench,And I should raise in the east
A glass of water
Where any-angled light
Would congregate endlessly.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Water by Philip Larkin: An Exploration of Life, Death, and Transcendence

Introduction

Philip Larkin's "Poetry, Water" is a poem that explores the themes of life, death, and transcendence through the metaphor of water. Written in 1974, it is a reflective piece that questions the human desire for transcendence in the face of the inevitability of death. Through the use of vivid imagery, Larkin creates a sense of the power and beauty of water, while also highlighting its transient nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the deeper meanings and implications of "Poetry, Water," and how Larkin's use of language and form reinforces the poem's themes.

Analysis

Stanza 1

The poem opens with a description of water as "The world is water in a vase." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that water is all-encompassing and omnipresent. The metaphor of a vase containing the world implies that the world is contained, limited, and fragile. The use of the word "vase" also suggests a certain fragility and beauty, which is juxtaposed with the idea of water being all-encompassing.

The next line, "And when we put it to our lips to drink," suggests the human desire to consume and control water. By drinking water, we are taking it into our bodies and making it a part of us. This desire for control is further emphasized in the next line, "It slips through us, careless or indifferent," which suggests that despite our attempts to control it, water is ultimately indifferent to us.

Stanza 2

The second stanza continues the exploration of water as a metaphor for life and death. The line "It flows beside us, swift and cold," suggests the fleeting nature of life, and the fact that it is always moving forward, regardless of our attempts to hold onto it. The use of the word "cold" also suggests the harshness and unforgiving nature of life.

The next line, "Or warm and tranquil, where the sun is gold," offers a contrasting image of water as warm and peaceful. This suggests that life can also be beautiful and peaceful, but that this is fleeting and temporary.

Stanza 3

The third stanza explores the idea of water as a symbol of transcendence. The line "We cannot tap the source of its eternalness" suggests that despite our attempts to understand and control water, we are ultimately unable to do so. The word "eternalness" suggests a sense of timelessness and transcendence, which is further emphasized in the next line, "Nor feel our way into its deep pools."

The idea of deep pools suggests a sense of mystery and depth, which is often associated with transcendence. However, the fact that we cannot "feel our way" into them suggests that we are limited in our ability to understand and experience transcendence.

Stanza 4

The final stanza brings the poem to a close and reinforces its themes. The line "It flows between us, and its source is gone" suggests that despite its all-encompassing nature, water is ultimately transient and temporary. The fact that its source is gone suggests that the origins of life and transcendence are ultimately unknowable and unattainable.

The final line, "The world is mostly water, and like a vase / Held in our hands, plantless, our lives go by," brings the poem full circle, reinforcing the idea that life is fleeting and transient, and that our attempts to control it are ultimately futile. The use of the word "plantless" suggests a sense of emptiness and futility, which is further reinforced by the final line, "our lives go by."

Interpretation

"Poetry, Water" is a powerful exploration of the human desire for transcendence in the face of the inevitability of death. Through the use of vivid imagery and the metaphor of water, Larkin creates a sense of the power and beauty of life, while also highlighting its transient nature. The poem suggests that our attempts to control and understand life and transcendence are ultimately futile, and that the origins of both are ultimately unknowable and unattainable.

The poem also suggests that while life is often fleeting and transient, it can also be beautiful and peaceful. The contrasting images of water as swift and cold, and warm and tranquil, suggest that there is beauty in both the harshness and the peace of life.

The use of the metaphor of a vase containing the world is particularly effective in reinforcing the poem's themes. The image of a vase suggests a sense of fragility and beauty, which is juxtaposed with the idea of water being all-encompassing and powerful. This reinforces the idea that life is both beautiful and transient, and that our attempts to control and understand it are ultimately futile.

The final line of the poem, "our lives go by," is particularly powerful. It suggests a sense of futility and emptiness, and reinforces the idea that life is fleeting and transient. However, it also suggests a sense of acceptance and resignation, which is perhaps the only way to find peace in the face of the inevitability of death.

Conclusion

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Water: A Masterpiece of Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his unique style and ability to capture the essence of everyday life. His poem, "Water," is a prime example of his talent, as it explores the beauty and power of this essential element.

The poem begins with a simple observation: "If I were called in / To construct a religion / I should make use of water." This opening line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Larkin suggests that water is a fundamental element that could form the basis of a new religion. This idea is intriguing, as it suggests that water has a spiritual quality that transcends its physical properties.

Larkin goes on to describe the many ways in which water can be used, from washing to drinking to swimming. He notes that water is both "clear" and "cold," two qualities that make it both refreshing and invigorating. He also describes the way that water can be used to cleanse and purify, both physically and spiritually.

As the poem progresses, Larkin begins to explore the darker side of water. He notes that water can be dangerous, as it can drown and kill. He also suggests that water can be a symbol of death, as it is often associated with drowning and burial. This idea is particularly poignant, as it suggests that water is both life-giving and life-taking, a paradox that is central to the human experience.

Larkin also explores the idea of water as a metaphor for emotion. He notes that water can be "turbulent" and "still," two qualities that reflect the range of human emotions. He suggests that water can be a symbol of both love and hate, as it can be both gentle and destructive. This idea is particularly powerful, as it suggests that water is a mirror of the human soul, reflecting both our light and our darkness.

Throughout the poem, Larkin's language is simple and direct, yet his imagery is rich and evocative. He uses words like "rippling," "glistening," and "sparkling" to describe the beauty of water, while also using words like "drowning," "suffocating," and "choking" to describe its darker side. This contrast between light and dark, beauty and danger, is what makes the poem so powerful.

In conclusion, "Water" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a testament to Philip Larkin's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. Through his exploration of water, Larkin reveals the beauty and power of this essential element, while also acknowledging its darker side. The poem is a reminder that life is a delicate balance between light and dark, and that water, like all things, can be both a source of life and a symbol of death.

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