Is "This Be the Verse" by Philip Larkin an example of great literature?
I must admit that my first reaction to reading this poem was a raised eyebrow and an "oooookaaaay". Despite being funny and poetic, it seemed like an idea that would be conveyed by a 13 year old that didn't get her way. Surely most parents try to provide the best upbringing they can for their children and surely most adults realize this about their parents once they have had children themselves.
Obviously I took the poem too seriously. I took it to heart as well. Expecting my first child, I am now faced with an alarming number of questions and worries about what is best for my baby and how I can make sure that I can be the best mother possible. All the experts disagree with each other so we are left to our own devices. What positive things did I take away from my own childhood? And my husband, what does he want to incorporate from his childhood? More importantly, what do we want to change and how do we make sure we are strong enough to change old habits and patterns that, to us, are as natural as breathing.
The close reading analysis helped me get away from my "mother" perspective so that the poem could be looked at as a piece of art. After all, this poem is by Philip Larkin, who, according to the Philip Larkin Society website (
http://www.philiplarkin.com/biog.html), has won many awards for his work and is largely regarded as one of the foremost figures in 20th century poetry! Who am I to raise my eyebrows at his work?
The fact that Philip Larking was a librarian changes the mood and meaning of this poem for me. I can imagine him giggling over this work while studious onlookers glare in annoyance at being interrupted. I understand what the close reading states about wanting to shock us with the unorthodox poetic language (swearing). I agree that comparing the formality of the title against the first verse adds to this shock factor. Admittedly, I have not placed a great weight or analytical value on the title of a poem or book but feel I would have overlooked a very intention play on words had that dicotomy not been pointed out in the case.
I disagree that this is a universal theme. Although certainly a popular idea in our Western culture, I find it comical to imagine the tribal people of Papua New Guinea sitting around and discussing how their parents messed them up. Wouldn't they be too busy surviving? It's just some food for thought.
Ultimately, do I think this poem is an example of great literature? I suppose I must say yes. He is obviously a talented poet and has chosen to write in an unorthodox way to make his point, or get a laugh, or make you think.
The short story, "Evaline" darkens Larkin's poem. I viewed it as the end product of having been messed up by parents. There seems to be a danger in not realizing that your parents have lived through and survived similar experiences in their own childhood - that parents are just trying to do the best they can do with what they have. It also speaks to how strong childhood and family bonds can be.
Evaline wants to leave. She's made plans. She's ready to go, but she is stuck. For me, she is stuck by familiarity, family obligation and fear of the unknown. At least she knows this life. Perhaps her father is more similar to her than she has ever thought. When she chooses to stay, that may be the moment that she turns a little more into her father, who may also have had dreams of another life in his youth, but he stayed as well.
When I read Larking's poem through Evaline's eyes, there is despair of a life ruined. Gone are the comic airs that I imagine that Larkin intended, and strong become the words and the loss that is attached to them.
I was honestly amazed at how the meaning of a poem I would have found hilarious 4 months has taken on a soul exploring internal analysis of my ability to parent. I blame the pregnancy hormones. Honest!
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