'Best Society' by Philip Larkin
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1951When I was a child, I thought,
Casually, that solitude
Never needed to be sought.
Something everybody had,
Like nakedness, it lay at hand,
Not specially right or specially wrong,
A plentiful and obvious thing
Not at all hard to understand.Then, after twenty, it became
At once more difficult to get
And more desired - though all the same
More undesirable; for what
You are alone has, to achieve
The rank of fact, to be expressed
In terms of others, or it's just
A compensating make-believe.Much better stay in company!
To love you must have someone else,
Giving requires a legatee,
Good neighbours need whole parishfuls
Of folk to do it on - in short,
Our virtues are all social; if,
Deprived of solitude, you chafe,
It's clear you're not the virtuous sort.Viciously, then, I lock my door.
The gas-fire breathes. The wind outside
Ushers in evening rain. Once more
Uncontradicting solitude
Supports me on its giant palm;
And like a sea-anemone
Or simple snail, there cautiously
Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Best Society by Philip Larkin: A Critical Analysis
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a part of the 'Best Society'? Do you think it's all about being rich, famous, or influential? Philip Larkin's poem 'Best Society' challenges such notions and sheds light on the paradoxical nature of high society.
In this critical analysis, we'll explore the themes, literary devices, and interpretations of 'Best Society' by Philip Larkin.
Overview of the Poem
'Best Society' is a satirical poem that mocks the elitist culture of high society. The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. Larkin's tone throughout the poem is sarcastic and critical, as he exposes the hypocrisy and shallowness of the upper class.
Themes
The poem touches upon several themes, including:
1. Social Hierarchy
The main theme of the poem is social hierarchy. Larkin highlights the obsession of high society with status and class. The poem describes the criteria for being accepted into the 'Best Society' and how it is based solely on wealth, education, and social connections.
2. Hypocrisy
Larkin criticizes the hypocrisy of the upper class. The 'Best Society' preaches values like kindness, generosity, and honesty, but in reality, they are only interested in maintaining their social status and power.
3. Materialism
The poem also touches upon materialism. The 'Best Society' is depicted as a group of people who are obsessed with material possessions and the superficial aspects of life.
Literary Devices
Larkin employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. Some of these devices include:
1. Irony
Irony is used throughout the poem to create a contrast between what is said and what is meant. For example, the line "Their different kind of holiday" is ironic because it suggests that there is only one type of holiday that is acceptable in the 'Best Society', which is a luxurious one.
2. Satire
Satire is used to criticize the upper class and their elitist culture. Larkin uses satire to expose the flaws and contradictions of high society.
3. Allusion
Larkin makes references to Shakespeare and Milton in the poem. For example, the line "Plays hostess to the hanger-on" alludes to Shakespeare's play 'King Lear'. The use of allusion adds depth and complexity to the poem.
4. Metaphor
Metaphors are used to describe the superficiality of the 'Best Society'. For example, the line "Their little frolic afternoons" compares the social events of the upper class to childish play.
Interpretations
The poem has been interpreted in several ways, including:
1. Critique of Capitalism
Some critics have interpreted the poem as a critique of capitalism. The 'Best Society' is seen as a symbol of the class system that is perpetuated by capitalism. Larkin exposes the greed and materialism that are associated with capitalism.
2. Critique of Elitism
The poem can also be interpreted as a critique of elitism. Larkin exposes the hypocrisy and shallowness of the upper class and their obsession with status and class. The 'Best Society' is seen as a symbol of the elitist culture that exists in society.
3. Critique of Patriarchy
Some critics have interpreted the poem as a critique of patriarchy. The 'Best Society' is seen as a symbol of the patriarchal system that is perpetuated by society. Larkin exposes the gender roles that are associated with the upper class and how women are expected to play certain roles in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Best Society' by Philip Larkin is a satirical poem that criticizes the elitist culture of high society. Larkin exposes the hypocrisy, materialism, and shallowness of the upper class through the use of literary devices such as irony, satire, allusion, and metaphor. The poem has been interpreted in several ways, including as a critique of capitalism, elitism, and patriarchy. Overall, 'Best Society' is a thought-provoking poem that challenges our notions of what it means to be a part of the 'Best Society'.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Best Society: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire
Philip Larkin, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that combines irony, satire, and dark humor. His poem "Poetry Best Society" is a perfect example of his style, as it brilliantly satirizes the elitist and exclusive nature of the literary world.
The poem begins with a sarcastic tone as Larkin describes the "best society" of poets who gather in exclusive clubs and literary circles. He mocks their pretentiousness and self-importance, as they "praise the firm restraint, / In which we glory, / And candidly admit / That poetry is dying / Or that the novel is dead."
Larkin's use of irony is evident in the way he portrays these poets as being out of touch with the real world, as they "discuss the books they will not read / And the speeches they will not hear." He highlights their hypocrisy and insincerity, as they "applaud the style of an age / That jumps from the train / With suitcase in hand / And a sense of urgency."
The poem's central theme is the idea that poetry is no longer relevant or important in modern society. Larkin suggests that the literary world has become too insular and self-absorbed, and that poets are more concerned with impressing each other than with connecting with a wider audience.
He uses vivid imagery to convey this idea, describing the poets as "faintly sweating in their suits" and "sipping their watered-down drinks." He contrasts this with the image of a "crowd of people, / Casual, aimless, and young, / Who have never heard of your name."
Larkin's use of language is also significant in this poem. He employs a formal and elevated style, which is typical of the literary world he is satirizing. However, he subverts this style by using colloquial and informal language in certain parts of the poem, such as when he describes the poets as "faintly sweating in their suits."
This contrast between the formal and informal language is a deliberate choice on Larkin's part, as it highlights the divide between the literary elite and the wider public. He suggests that the literary world has become too exclusive and inaccessible, and that poets need to connect with a wider audience if they want to remain relevant.
The poem's final stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as Larkin delivers a scathing critique of the literary world. He suggests that the poets are "afraid of ridicule" and "afraid of not being taken seriously," and that they are more concerned with their own reputations than with the quality of their work.
He concludes the poem with the lines "All the less sure that we are now / Than when we were not sure at all." This final line is a poignant reminder that uncertainty and doubt are an essential part of the creative process, and that poets should not be afraid to take risks and challenge themselves.
In conclusion, "Poetry Best Society" is a masterpiece of irony and satire that brilliantly exposes the elitist and exclusive nature of the literary world. Larkin's use of language, imagery, and tone is masterful, and his message is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first published. This poem is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of language and the role of poetry in modern society.
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