'Continuing To Live' by Philip Larkin


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24 April 1954Continuing to live -- that is, repeat
A habit formed to get necessaries --
Is nearly always losing, or going without.It varies.This loss of interest, hair, and enterprise --
Ah, if the game were poker, yes,
You might discard them, draw a full house!But it's chess.And once you have walked the length of your mind, what
You command is clear as a lading-list.
Anything else must not, for you, be thoughtTo exist.And what's the profit? Only that, in time,
We half-identify the blind impress
All our behavings bear, may trace it home.But to confess,On that green evening when our death begins,
Just what it was, is hardly satisfying,
Since it applied only to one man once,And that one dying.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Continuing To Live: A Masterpiece by Philip Larkin

Are you a poetry enthusiast who loves to delve into the depths of human emotions and the complexities of life? Do you seek verses that not only resonate with your soul but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation? If yes, then Philip Larkin's "Continuing To Live" is a piece of art that you cannot afford to miss.

In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the nuances of this classic poem, understand its underlying themes and motifs, and unravel the poetic genius of one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.

Introduction to Philip Larkin and his Poetic Style

Philip Larkin was an English poet, novelist, and librarian who is widely regarded as one of the most significant poets of the 20th century. He was born in Coventry, England, in 1922 and spent most of his life working as a librarian in various universities across England.

Larkin's poetry is known for its simplicity, precision, and stark realism. He was a master of understatement and often used everyday language and ordinary events to capture the complexities of human existence. His poems often deal with themes such as death, loneliness, and the passage of time, and he is known for his ability to evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia in his readers.

Analysis of Continuing To Live

Continuing To Live is a poem that was published in Larkin's second collection, The Less Deceived, in 1955. The poem is composed of three stanzas, each containing six lines, and follows a regular rhyme scheme of ABABCC.

The first stanza of the poem begins with the line "Continuing to live—that is, repeat / A habit formed to get necessaries—." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the central theme of repetition. The speaker is reflecting on the monotony of life and the routines that we all fall into to survive.

The second line of the stanza, "Survival kit: in the jungle of the world / Make we must have our mouths full of fresh water," is a metaphor for the things that we need to do to survive in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving. The metaphor of a jungle emphasizes the idea that life can be dangerous and unpredictable, and we need to be prepared to face any challenges that come our way.

The third and fourth lines of the stanza, "And in our hands a light, although small, / Guiding the steps between the jagged rocks," further emphasize the idea that life is a journey that can be treacherous and unpredictable. The metaphor of a light represents hope and the idea that we can find our way even in the darkest of times. The jagged rocks represent the challenges and obstacles that we will face along the way.

The fifth and sixth lines of the stanza, "We must come to the friendly sun and air, / And be undazzled by a too-welcome day," are a reminder that life is not just about survival but about living. The phrase "too-welcome day" suggests that sometimes we can become too comfortable in our routines and forget to appreciate the beauty of life.

The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of repetition and routine. The speaker reflects on the fact that we all have certain habits and routines that we follow, even if they do not make us happy. The line "We cannot marvel at the things we are, / Because we are too busy being them" suggests that sometimes we can become so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to appreciate the world around us.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker reflects on the fact that we all must die someday and that our lives will eventually come to an end. The line "But if we let our pleasures die, the wraiths / Will be howling in the empty year" suggests that if we do not appreciate the beauty of life while we have it, we will regret it when it is gone.

The final lines of the poem, "Sooner or later, for this is happiness: / I have begun to refuse to die," are a powerful reminder that life is a precious gift that we should cherish. The speaker has come to the realization that life is worth living, even if it can be painful and difficult at times.

Themes and Motifs in Continuing To Live

The central theme of Continuing To Live is the idea of repetition and routine. The poem suggests that we all fall into certain habits and routines to survive, but that these routines can also become monotonous and uninspiring. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of life and to break free from our routines from time to time.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of mortality. The speaker reflects on the fact that we all must die someday and that life is fleeting. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of life while we have it and to not take it for granted.

The motif of light is also prominent in the poem. The metaphor of a light represents hope and the idea that we can find our way even in the darkest of times. The motif of the sun and air represents freedom and the idea that we should not be afraid to break free from our routines and enjoy the beauty of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Philip Larkin's Continuing To Live is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the complexities of human existence. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of life and to break free from our routines from time to time. The themes of repetition, mortality, and hope are all expertly woven into the poem, and the use of metaphors and motifs adds depth and complexity to the work.

If you are a poetry enthusiast, Continuing To Live is a must-read work that will leave a lasting impression on your soul. So go ahead, immerse yourself in the world of Larkin's poetry, and discover the beauty and complexity of life through his masterful verses.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Continuing To Live: A Timeless Masterpiece by Philip Larkin

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It has the power to evoke emotions, inspire, and connect people from different walks of life. Philip Larkin's poem, "Poetry Continuing To Live," is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its significance in our lives.

The poem begins with the line, "A voice that's all in one piece yet broken," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Larkin's use of paradoxical language creates a sense of ambiguity and mystery, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the meaning of the poem. The voice that is "all in one piece yet broken" can be interpreted as the voice of poetry, which is both whole and fragmented at the same time.

The second stanza of the poem highlights the power of poetry to transcend time and space. Larkin writes, "I cannot bring a world quite round, / Although I patch it as I can." This line suggests that poetry has the ability to create a world that is not quite complete, but still has the power to move and inspire people. The use of the word "patch" implies that poetry is a form of art that is constantly evolving and changing, and that it is up to the poet to create a world that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Larkin writes, "In me, poetry will not be dead." This line suggests that poetry is not just a form of art, but a part of the poet's soul. It is something that lives within the poet and cannot be extinguished. The use of the word "dead" implies that poetry is something that can die, but Larkin suggests that it is something that will continue to live on through the poet's work.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to connect people. Larkin writes, "Nor will poetry be dead in them / Which has been their breathing-part so long." This line suggests that poetry is something that is deeply ingrained in our lives, and that it has the power to connect us to each other. The use of the word "breathing-part" implies that poetry is something that we need to survive, like air or water.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to inspire. Larkin writes, "No wonder poets sometimes write / As if old men upon God's knee." This line suggests that poetry is something that is divine, and that it has the power to inspire us to reach for something greater than ourselves. The use of the phrase "God's knee" implies that poetry is something that is sacred, and that it has the power to connect us to the divine.

In conclusion, "Poetry Continuing To Live" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its significance in our lives. Larkin's use of paradoxical language creates a sense of ambiguity and mystery, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the meaning of the poem. The poem highlights the power of poetry to transcend time and space, to connect people, and to inspire. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of art, but a part of our souls that will continue to live on through our work.

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