'Going' by Philip Larkin


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The New PoetryThere is an evening coming in
Across the fields, one never seen before,
That lights no lamps.Silken it seems at a distance, yet
When it is drawn up over the knees and breast
It brings no comfort.Where has the tree gone, that lockedEarth to sky? What is under my hands,
That I cannot feel?What loads my hand down?

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deeper Look at Philip Larkin's "Going"

Philip Larkin's poem, "Going," is a somber and introspective piece that explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the fleeting nature of life. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a hauntingly beautiful tone, this poem offers a poignant commentary on the human condition and the inevitability of death.

Overview of the Poem

"Going" is a three-stanza poem that follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem's title serves as both a noun and a verb, suggesting that the act of departing is not just a physical occurrence, but also an emotional and psychological one. The poem begins by describing the speaker's journey to an unnamed destination, with the image of a train rolling through the countryside. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of movement and transition.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the nature of time and its inescapable march forward. The imagery here is particularly striking, with the speaker describing the "tug of the landscape" and the "whine of the engine" as he travels through time and space. The stanza ends with the hauntingly beautiful image of "a flock of birds / Flying in a wedge / Heading nowhere."

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality and the inevitability of death. The image of the "darkened lands of the earth" suggests a sense of finality and closure, while the final lines of the poem--"And that will be England gone, / The shadows, the meadows, the lanes, / The guildhalls, the carved choirs"--offer a stark reminder of the transience of life and the fragility of human existence.

Analysis of the Poem

"Going" is a complex and multi-layered poem that offers numerous insights into the human condition. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the poem is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. From the "green leaves" and "rolling hills" of the opening stanza to the "darkened lands" of the final lines, each image is carefully crafted to convey a particular mood or emotion. The image of the "flock of birds / Flying in a wedge / Heading nowhere" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of aimlessness and futility in the face of time's unrelenting march.

Another key element of the poem is its use of metaphor. The train that carries the speaker through the countryside can be seen as a metaphor for the passage of time, with the rails representing the linear progression of life. Similarly, the image of the "closed church doors" and the "carved choirs" suggests the idea of death as a kind of final silence, a cessation of all activity and movement.

The tone of the poem is also worth noting. While it is certainly somber and introspective, there is also a sense of acceptance and resignation in the speaker's words. The repetition of the phrase "I am going" suggests a sense of inevitability, while the final lines--"And that will be England gone, / The shadows, the meadows, the lanes, / The guildhalls, the carved choirs"--offer a kind of detached acceptance of the transience of life.

Interpretation of the Poem

"Going" is a deeply philosophical poem that raises a number of important questions about the nature of existence. One of the key themes of the poem is the passage of time and its unstoppable march forward. The train that carries the speaker through the countryside can be seen as a metaphor for life, with each station representing a different stage of existence. The image of the "tug of the landscape" and the "whine of the engine" suggests a sense of movement and transition, while the flock of birds heading "nowhere" suggests a sense of aimlessness and futility in the face of time's inexorable progress.

Another important theme of the poem is the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The image of the "closed church doors" and the "carved choirs" suggests a kind of finality and closure, while the final lines of the poem--"And that will be England gone, / The shadows, the meadows, the lanes, / The guildhalls, the carved choirs"--offer a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem suggests that while we may be able to delay the inevitable for a time, ultimately we are all destined to pass on, leaving behind only memories and echoes of our lives.

Despite its somber tone and heavy themes, there is also a sense of beauty and awe in the poem. The imagery of the rolling hills, the green leaves, and the flock of birds all evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. This serves as a kind of counterpoint to the darker themes of the poem, suggesting that even in the face of death and transience, there is still a sense of beauty and wonder in the world around us.

Conclusion

"Going" is a powerful and haunting poem that offers a poignant commentary on the human condition. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a somber yet beautiful tone, the poem explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the fleeting nature of life. While the poem is undeniably somber and introspective, it also offers a sense of acceptance and resignation in the face of life's transience. Ultimately, "Going" is a reminder of the fragility and beauty of human existence, and a testament to the power of poetry to capture and convey the complexity of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Going: A Masterpiece by Philip Larkin

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for people to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a creative and meaningful way. Philip Larkin, one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century, was a master at this craft. His poem, "Poetry Going," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what it means to be a poet.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry, the last refuge of the insomniac." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that poetry is a way for people to escape from their problems and find solace in their own thoughts. The use of the word "last" implies that poetry is the final option for those who cannot find peace elsewhere.

The next line, "The last door that closes on you at night," further emphasizes this idea. It suggests that poetry is a way to shut out the world and focus on one's own thoughts. The use of the word "door" implies that poetry is a gateway to another world, a world where one can be free from the constraints of reality.

The third line, "And the first that opens to you in the morning," suggests that poetry is a way to start the day. It implies that poetry is a source of inspiration and motivation, something that can help people face the challenges of the day ahead.

The fourth line, "Illuminated finally only by the light it gives," is a powerful statement. It suggests that poetry is not just a way to escape from reality, but a way to understand it. The use of the word "illuminated" implies that poetry sheds light on the world, revealing its true nature.

The fifth line, "For poetry is wisdom that comes in the form of dreams," is perhaps the most profound statement in the poem. It suggests that poetry is a way to access the subconscious mind, where wisdom and insight reside. The use of the word "dreams" implies that poetry is a way to tap into the hidden depths of the mind, where the most profound truths are found.

The sixth line, "And it is the poets who interpret those dreams," suggests that poets are the ones who can make sense of the subconscious mind. They are the ones who can translate the wisdom and insight found in dreams into something that can be understood by others.

The seventh line, "And illuminate them for the rest of us," further emphasizes this idea. It suggests that poets are not just interpreters of dreams, but also teachers. They are the ones who can help others understand the wisdom and insight found in poetry.

The eighth line, "But poetry is also a refuge for the poet," suggests that poetry is not just a way to help others, but also a way to help oneself. The use of the word "refuge" implies that poetry is a safe haven, a place where the poet can find comfort and solace.

The ninth line, "And the poet is often the last person to leave it," suggests that poetry is not just a hobby or a profession, but a way of life. The use of the word "last" implies that poetry is something that the poet cannot live without.

The final line, "Turning out the lights," is a powerful way to end the poem. It suggests that poetry is not just a way to escape from reality, but a way to face it. The use of the word "lights" implies that poetry is a way to shed light on the world, revealing its true nature.

In conclusion, "Poetry Going" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what it means to be a poet. It suggests that poetry is a way to escape from reality, but also a way to understand it. It is a source of inspiration and motivation, a way to access the subconscious mind, and a way to shed light on the world. Philip Larkin was a master at this craft, and his poem will continue to inspire and enlighten readers for generations to come.

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