'Money' by Philip Larkin
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Quarterly, is it, money reproaches me:
'Why do you let me lie here wastefully?
I am all you never had of goods and sex,
You could get them still by writing a few cheques.'
So I look at others, what they do with theirs:
They certainly don't keep it upstairs.
By now they've a second house and car and wife:
Clearly money has something to do with life
- In fact, they've a lot in common, if you enquire:
You can't put off being young until you retire,
And however you bank your screw, the money you save
Won't in the end buy you more than a shave.
I listen to money singing. It's like looking down
From long French windows at a provincial town,
The slums, the canal, the churches ornate and mad
In the evening sun. It is intensely sad.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Money: A Literary Criticism
Philip Larkin's "Money" may be a short poem, but it is powerful in its impact. It is a thought-provoking piece that delves into the complexities and contradictions of money and its role in human life. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Theme
The theme of "Money" revolves around the idea that money is both a source of power and a cause of corruption. In the first stanza, Larkin describes the power of money as something that can "buy you a home in the sun" and "a drink on a plane." These images evoke a sense of luxury and privilege that most people aspire to. However, the second stanza takes a darker turn, revealing the corrupting influence of money. Larkin describes how money can "make you want to dance" and "make you want to sing," but it can also "make you want to steal" and "make you want to lie." These lines suggest that money can lead people to immoral and unethical behavior.
Language
Larkin's language in "Money" is simple and direct, but it is also evocative and powerful. The use of repetition in the first stanza emphasizes the allure of money, with the repeated phrase "buy you" conveying a sense of endless possibilities. The second stanza also employs repetition, but in a more sinister way. The repeated phrase "make you want to" suggests that money has a powerful hold over people's desires and actions.
Larkin's use of imagery is also noteworthy. In the first stanza, he paints a picture of a luxurious lifestyle, with references to a "home in the sun" and a "drink on a plane." These images are both aspirational and enviable, highlighting the allure of wealth. In contrast, the second stanza is filled with darker images, such as "a gun in your hand" and "a knife at your throat." These images suggest the dangers and risks associated with the pursuit of money.
Structure
The structure of "Money" is simple but effective. The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza is dedicated to the positive aspects of money, while the second stanza explores the negative consequences of money.
The use of enjambment in the second stanza is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of momentum and urgency. The lines "Make you want to go up and pay / Like a lavatory door" are particularly striking, as they juxtapose the desire for money with the banality of a toilet door.
Interpretation
The meaning of "Money" is open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that it is a commentary on the corrupting influence of capitalism. The first stanza paints a picture of the American Dream, with its references to a "home in the sun" and a "drink on a plane." These images are often associated with the pursuit of wealth and success, and they suggest that money can provide a pathway to a better life.
However, the second stanza reveals the dark side of this pursuit. The repeated phrase "make you want to" suggests that money has a powerful hold over people's desires and actions. The images of violence in this stanza, such as "a gun in your hand" and "a knife at your throat," suggest that the pursuit of money can lead to unethical and even criminal behavior.
Another possible interpretation of "Money" is that it is a commentary on the seductive power of consumerism. The first stanza portrays money as a means of acquiring material possessions, such as a "home in the sun" and a "drink on a plane." These images highlight the appeal of consumer culture and the desire for material goods.
However, the second stanza suggests that the pursuit of material goods can lead to moral decay. The images of theft and deceit in this stanza suggest that the pursuit of consumerism can lead people to abandon their ethical principles in the pursuit of material goods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Philip Larkin's "Money" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities and contradictions of money and its role in human life. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem highlights the allure of money and the corrupting influence it can have on people's desires and actions. Whether interpreted as a commentary on capitalism or consumerism, "Money" remains a thought-provoking and relevant piece of literature that speaks to the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Money, a classic poem written by Philip Larkin, is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human nature and the role that money plays in our lives. This poem is a reflection of the poet's own experiences and observations of the world around him, and it is a powerful commentary on the human condition.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Quarterly, is it, money reproaches me." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that money is a constant presence in our lives, and that it has the power to make us feel guilty or ashamed. The use of the word "reproaches" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that money is not just a neutral object, but rather a force that can judge us and hold us accountable.
The next few lines of the poem describe the physical appearance of money, with its "green-eyed metal monster" and its "leaden circles." These descriptions create a vivid image of money as something cold, hard, and unfeeling. The use of the word "monster" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that money is not just an object, but rather a living thing with its own desires and motivations.
As the poem continues, Larkin explores the ways in which money affects our relationships with others. He writes, "Friends who have heard the same tale told twice / Seem to think surplus means that I am rich." This line highlights the fact that money can create misunderstandings and tensions between people, as those who have it are often assumed to be wealthy and privileged. This can lead to resentment and envy, as those who do not have money feel left out or excluded.
The poem also touches on the idea that money can be a source of temptation and corruption. Larkin writes, "Yet habit is a great deadener," suggesting that the more we are exposed to money, the less we are able to resist its allure. He goes on to describe how money can lead us down a path of greed and selfishness, as we become more focused on accumulating wealth than on living a meaningful life.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem is, "I don't know how to thank you, or even if I should." This line captures the ambivalence that many people feel towards money, as they are grateful for its benefits but also aware of its negative effects. The use of the word "should" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that there is a moral dimension to our relationship with money, and that we may feel guilty for accepting its benefits.
Overall, Money is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex role that money plays in our lives. Through vivid imagery and insightful observations, Larkin captures the ways in which money can both enrich and corrupt us, and he challenges us to think deeply about our own relationship with this powerful force. Whether we love it or hate it, money is an inescapable part of our lives, and this poem reminds us of the need to approach it with caution and humility.
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