'Ambulances' by Philip Larkin

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The Whitsun Weddings1964Closed like confessionals, they thread
Loud noons of cities, giving back
None of the glances they absorb.
Light glossy grey, arms on a plaque,
They come to rest at any kerb:
All streets in time are visited.Then children strewn on steps or road,
Or women coming from the shops
Past smells of different dinners, see
A wild white face that overtops
Red stretcher-blankets momently
As it is carried in and stowed,And sense the solving emptiness
That lies just under all we do,
And for a second get it whole,
So permanent and blank and true.
The fastened doors recede.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ambulances by Philip Larkin: A Critique of Death and Life

As soon as you read the title of Philip Larkin's poem, "Ambulances," you know that the subject matter is going to be heavy. Ambulances are associated with emergencies and death, and Larkin doesn't disappoint. However, while the poem is certainly about death, it's also about life, and the way in which death is intertwined with the everyday world. In this critique of Ambulances, we'll explore the themes and symbolism in the poem, as well as the ways in which Larkin's use of language and structure shapes our understanding of the poem's message.

The Themes of Ambulances

At its core, Ambulances is a poem about death, and how it is ever-present in our lives. The opening stanza sets the tone, with the mention of the "casualty" being taken away by the ambulance, and the way in which this event causes people to pause and reflect on their own mortality. The second stanza continues this theme, with the image of the ambulance's "hospital smell" filling the air, and the suggestion that death is always lurking, just out of sight.

However, despite the focus on death, Ambulances is also a poem about life, and the way in which it is shaped by the inevitability of death. The third stanza, in particular, explores this idea, with the suggestion that the dead are still present in the world, not only in the memories of those they leave behind, but also in the physical objects they leave behind. The "traffic interrupted" by the ambulance is a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of death.

Symbolism in Ambulances

Larkin employs a number of symbols in Ambulances, each of which is designed to reinforce the poem's themes. Perhaps the most obvious of these is the ambulance itself, which serves as a symbol of death and the fragility of life. The "closed like confessionals" doors of the ambulance suggest that death is something that happens in secret, and that we are not privy to its workings.

Another important symbol in the poem is the city itself. Larkin uses the city to represent the everyday world, and the way in which it is inextricably linked to the world of the dead. The "random" and "haphazard" nature of the city's layout suggests that life is unpredictable, and that death can strike at any moment.

Finally, Larkin uses the image of the sun to symbolize the cycle of life and death. The "winter" sun in the final stanza represents the end of life, and the way in which death is an inevitable part of the natural world. However, the fact that the sun continues to rise each day suggests that life goes on, even in the face of death.

Language and Structure in Ambulances

Larkin's use of language and structure is essential to the way in which Ambulances conveys its themes and symbolism. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter, which gives the poem a conversational tone that is both approachable and relatable.

The use of enjambment in the poem is also significant, as it creates a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the movement of the ambulance itself. The opening line of the poem, for example, runs over onto the second line, creating a sense of urgency and momentum that is maintained throughout the poem.

Larkin's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He uses vivid and sometimes unsettling descriptions to create a sense of unease and discomfort in the reader. The "tense, musty" smell of the ambulance's interior, for example, is a particularly effective image that conveys the sense of death and decay that surrounds the vehicle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ambulances is a poem that explores the themes of death and life, and the way in which they are intertwined in the world around us. Larkin's use of symbolism and language is key to the poem's success, and his ability to evoke a sense of unease and discomfort in the reader is powerful. Although the poem is certainly heavy and thought-provoking, it is also accessible and relatable, and its message is one that is universal and timeless. Ambulances is a poem that will stay with the reader long after the final stanza, and is a testament to Larkin's skill as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Ambulances: A Masterpiece by Philip Larkin

Poetry is often considered as a medium of expressing emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impact on the reader's mind. One such masterpiece is "Ambulances" by Philip Larkin. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to convey deep emotions and thoughts in a simple yet powerful manner.

The poem "Ambulances" was written by Philip Larkin in 1961. It is a poem that explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The poem begins with the description of an ambulance rushing past the speaker. The speaker observes the ambulance and reflects on the fact that it is a symbol of death. The ambulance is a reminder that death is always lurking around the corner, waiting to claim its next victim.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker describes the ambulance as "Closed like a coffin". This simile is a powerful image that immediately evokes the idea of death. The speaker then goes on to describe the ambulance as "With the mourners, who are they?" This line is significant as it highlights the fact that death is not just a physical event but also an emotional one. The mourners are the ones who are left behind to grieve and mourn the loss of their loved ones.

The second stanza of the poem explores the idea of mortality in more detail. The speaker reflects on the fact that death is inevitable and that it will come for everyone eventually. The line "Brings closer what is left to come" is a powerful reminder that death is always looming in the background, waiting to claim its next victim. The speaker then goes on to describe the ambulance as "An arbitrary, unforgiving sport". This line highlights the fact that death is not something that can be controlled or predicted. It is a random event that can happen to anyone at any time.

The third stanza of the poem takes a more personal turn. The speaker reflects on his own mortality and the fact that he too will one day be taken away in an ambulance. The line "And sense the solving emptiness" is a powerful image that evokes the idea of death as a void that cannot be filled. The speaker then goes on to describe the ambulance as "The deep-backed, instrument-packed, squatting in the grass". This line is significant as it highlights the fact that the ambulance is a symbol of modern technology and science. Despite all the advancements in medicine and technology, death is still an inevitable part of life.

The final stanza of the poem brings the theme of mortality full circle. The speaker reflects on the fact that death is a part of life and that we must learn to accept it. The line "Slowly light strengthens, and the room takes shape" is a powerful image that evokes the idea of life slowly fading away. The speaker then goes on to describe the ambulance as "A symbol of each new failure". This line is significant as it highlights the fact that death is not just a physical event but also a failure of the human body and mind.

In conclusion, "Ambulances" by Philip Larkin is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It explores the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death in a simple yet powerful manner. The poem is a reminder that death is always lurking in the background, waiting to claim its next victim. It is a powerful reminder that we must learn to accept death as a part of life and that we must cherish every moment we have on this earth.

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