Introducing Philip Larkin Date:

“Life has a practice of living you, if you don't live it.” Larkin is said to be a poet of the people. He writes poetry for the ordinary man. Do you think a lot of poetry does not do this? Points to consider Who When Why Where What How

Philip Larkin (1922-1985) was a poet of post-war Britain Philip Larkin (1922-1985) was a poet of post-war Britain. He was a cynic and pessimist who often described life as a complete mess. This could explain his popularity with the modern reader. His poetry examines an ever-changing and frightening world, making it especially relevant today.

The following are all quotes from Larkin. Choose one and comment on it The following are all quotes from Larkin. Choose one and comment on it. Two to three sentences agreeing/disagreeing or praising/scorning. “I feel the only thing you can do about life is to preserve it, by art if you're an artist, by children if you're not.”  “Something, like nothing, happens anywhere.”  “Parents f**k you up. They don't mean to but they do. ”  “I can't understand these chaps who go round American universities explaining how they write poems: It's like going round explaining how you sleep with your wife.”  “Everyone should be forcibly transplanted to another continent from their family at the age of three.”

Philip Larkin tries to include the reader in the journey that is his poetry. His gift is the extraordinary ability to confront the ordinary events of everyday life in a form and language that is immediately both accessible and profound. The rich and powerful imagery with which he interprets his world are typical of a poet whose work has both a timeless and a universal appeal. 

Great Larkin notes at: http://www.aoifesnotes.com/leaving-cert/ordinary-level/Paper-Two/prescribed-poetry.php