'Wants' by Philip Larkin

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XX Poems1951Beyond all this, the wish to be alone:
However the sky grows dark with invitation-cards
However we follow the printed directions of sex
However the family is photographed under the flagstaff-
Beyond all this, the wish to be alone.Beneath it all, desire of oblivion runs:
Despite the artful tensions of the calendar,
The life insurance, the tabled fertility rites,
The costly aversion of the eyes from death-
Beneath it all, desire of oblivion runs.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Wants" by Philip Larkin: A Deconstruction of Human Desire

When it comes to poetry, few writers can match the genius of Philip Larkin. His works are a testament to the power of language and the depth of emotion that words can convey. One of his most famous poems, "Wants," is a haunting exploration of human desire and the emptiness that often accompanies it.

At first glance, "Wants" seems like a simple list of the things that people want in life. Larkin starts by listing physical objects, such as "a picture-window" or "a new pair of shoes." But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that these things are merely symbols for deeper, more profound desires.

For example, Larkin writes that people want "to have been loved, to be loved." This desire for love is something that everyone can relate to, but Larkin takes it further by suggesting that we also want to have experienced love in the past. This desire for a past love is a poignant reminder of how fleeting and fragile our connections with others can be.

Larkin also explores the darker side of human desire. He writes that people want "to escape their lives." This desire for escape is understandable, given the stresses and pressures of modern life, but it also reveals a deep dissatisfaction with our existence. Larkin suggests that we are never truly happy with what we have and are always searching for something more.

Another striking aspect of "Wants" is Larkin's use of repetition. He repeats the phrase "and" throughout the poem, creating a sort of litany of human desires. This repetition has a hypnotic effect, drawing the reader deeper into the poem and emphasizing the universality of the human experience.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of "Wants" is its ambiguity. Larkin never explicitly states what he thinks about human desire. He simply presents a list of wants and lets the reader draw their own conclusions. This ambiguity is what makes the poem so haunting and memorable.

In conclusion, "Wants" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It captures the essence of human desire in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. Larkin's use of repetition, ambiguity, and symbolism creates a haunting and unforgettable work that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Wants: A Masterpiece by Philip Larkin

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir up memories, and transport us to different worlds. It is a medium that allows us to express ourselves in ways that words alone cannot. Philip Larkin's "Poetry Wants" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its role in our lives.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry wants to be heard." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the idea that poetry is not just a collection of words on a page but a living, breathing entity that demands to be heard. Larkin goes on to describe poetry as "a voice, not a book" and "a cry in the dark, not a lecture." These lines emphasize the importance of poetry as a means of communication and expression.

The second stanza of the poem delves deeper into the idea of poetry as a voice. Larkin writes, "Poetry wants to speak to you / directly, intimately." This line highlights the personal nature of poetry and its ability to connect with us on a deep level. Poetry has the power to speak to us in a way that nothing else can, and Larkin recognizes this.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Larkin writes, "Poetry wants to catch you off guard / in a moment of happiness or grief." This line speaks to the emotional impact that poetry can have on us. It is often in moments of intense emotion that we turn to poetry to help us make sense of what we are feeling. Poetry has the ability to capture the essence of these moments and to help us process them.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. Larkin writes, "Poetry wants you to listen / with your heart as well as your head." This line emphasizes the importance of engaging with poetry on an emotional level. It is not enough to simply read the words on the page; we must also connect with the emotions and ideas that the poem is trying to convey.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the role of poetry in our lives. Larkin writes, "Poetry wants to be part of your life / not just something you read." This line speaks to the idea that poetry is not just a passive activity but an active one. We must actively engage with poetry and make it a part of our lives if we are to fully appreciate its power and beauty.

Overall, "Poetry Wants" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its role in our lives. Larkin's use of language is powerful and evocative, and his message is clear: poetry is not just a collection of words on a page but a living, breathing entity that demands to be heard. If we are to fully appreciate the power and beauty of poetry, we must engage with it on an emotional level and make it a part of our lives.

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