"This Be The Verse" by Philip Larkin I Poem Analysis

In today's poetry reading, I break down one of my favorite poems, Philip Larkin's "This Be The Verse." In particular, I focus on the use of tone, imagery, and wrestle with the theme.

[@virileessence8122]

I love raw poets who go deeper than their problems.

[@HeavenBrothers]

Would love to see a deep dives on "Pillow Thoughts" by Courtney Peppernell & "Licorice: a poetic experience" by P.C. Clotter. The former is very descriptive IMO about self. While the latter has "poems" that are kinda long but worth a deeper analysis. Anyways, great job so far!

[@poetryandprejudice]

Thank you. I'll have to give those a read.

[@margaretrealiza3015]

wew. this hits a little too close at home

[@poetryandprejudice]

I kinda want to know the details, but don't feel pressure to share.

[@margaretrealiza3015]

@@poetryandprejudice hahaha long story short, traumatized parents raising kids.

[@hesamzarei8296]

I agree with you that this poem is a bit hyperbolic, and somehow simplistic (maybe for good reasons). But do you think it's morally acceptable to have kids? From an antinatalist perspective, it's not just how parents/society can ruin a the child's life, but life is inherently meaningless and painful, and it's wrong to force it on another person.

[@poetryandprejudice]

That's a very difficult question. I think it depends on what someone's beliefs are about the meaning, or lack of meaning, of life. I do not consider life to be meaningless, at least not in a small sense. Although we will one day perish, and our achievements, whatever they may be, will waft into nothingness with us, I think there is meaning to be found in striving to become the greatest being we can in the very limited time we have. And although human life is full of suffering, it is also full of a lot of beauty and potential.

[@hesamzarei8296]

@@poetryandprejudice Thank you. 👍

[@avivastudios2311]

I think having kids is selfish. Since you cannot have kids for the sake of the kid, you can only have kids for yourself. But people are allowed to be selfish as long as they're not being cruel.