'I Have Started To Say' by Philip Larkin
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1971I have started to say
"A quarter of a century"
Or "thirty years back"
About my own life.It makes me breathless
It's like falling and recovering
In huge gesturing loops
Through an empty sky.All that's left to happen
Is some deaths (my own included).
Their order, and their manner,
Remain to be learnt.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I Have Started To Say" by Philip Larkin: A Masterpiece of Introspection
The year was 1974, and Philip Larkin, the acclaimed British poet, was already 52 years old. He had published several collections of poetry, including "The Less Deceived" (1955), "The Whitsun Weddings" (1964), and "High Windows" (1974). However, it was the publication of his poem "I Have Started To Say" that would mark a turning point in his career.
At first glance, "I Have Started To Say" may seem like a simple and straightforward poem. It consists of two stanzas, with each stanza having four lines. The poem's title is also the first line of the first stanza, which reads:
"I have started to say "A quarter of a century" Or "thirty years back" About my own life."
As the reader progresses through the poem, they become aware of the speaker's reflective and introspective tone. The speaker is not only looking back at their past but also trying to make sense of it. They are trying to come to terms with their mortality and the fleeting nature of time. The second stanza reads:
"It makes me breathless It's like falling and recovering On a roller-coaster Just when you think it's over."
The poem's language is deceptively simple, but it is precisely this simplicity that makes it powerful. Larkin's use of short, direct sentences and everyday language conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy. The speaker is not trying to impress anyone with their vocabulary or literary prowess; they are simply trying to express their thoughts and feelings in the most honest and straightforward way possible.
One of the most striking aspects of "I Have Started To Say" is its universal appeal. The poem is not specific to any one person or situation; rather, it speaks to the human condition and the universal experience of aging and mortality. The speaker's reflections could be those of anyone, anywhere, at any time. The fact that the poem was written nearly fifty years ago is irrelevant; its message is timeless.
Another noteworthy feature of the poem is Larkin's use of imagery. The image of a roller-coaster is particularly apt, as it captures the ups and downs, the highs and lows, of life. The speaker is both breathless and recovering, suggesting that they are still in the process of coming to terms with their past and their mortality. The image of falling and recovering also implies a sense of resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
In addition to its universal appeal and use of imagery, "I Have Started To Say" is also notable for its structure. The poem consists of two stanzas of equal length, with each stanza having four lines. The symmetry of the poem's structure reinforces its message of balance and equilibrium. The poem is not about extremes or excesses but rather about finding a middle ground and coming to terms with one's past.
Finally, it is worth noting that "I Have Started To Say" is just one of many poems in which Larkin addresses the theme of aging and mortality. In fact, the majority of his later poems deal with these subjects. It is clear that Larkin was deeply preoccupied with the passage of time and the inevitability of death. However, rather than dwelling on these themes in a morbid or depressing way, Larkin's poetry is characterized by a sense of acceptance and even humor. He recognizes the absurdity of life and the inevitability of its end but also finds joy and beauty in the everyday.
In conclusion, "I Have Started To Say" is a masterful poem that speaks to the universal experience of aging and mortality. Its simplicity of language and structure belies its profound message of acceptance and resilience. Larkin's use of imagery and his preoccupation with these themes in his later poetry testify to their importance in his own life. The fact that the poem still resonates with readers today is a testament to its enduring appeal and its status as a masterpiece of introspection.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to make them feel alive. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire generations is "I Have Started To Say" by Philip Larkin. This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of life.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that he has started to say "A quarter of a century" and then stops. This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The speaker is reflecting on the passage of time and how it has affected him. He is looking back on his life and realizing that a quarter of a century has passed since he was young and full of hope.
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his past. He talks about how he used to be "afraid of love" and how he "hid in books". This is a common theme in Larkin's poetry, as he often writes about the fear of love and the isolation that comes with it. The speaker is admitting that he was once afraid of love and that he used books as a way to escape from the world.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his present. He talks about how he has "started to say" things that he never thought he would say. He is becoming more open and honest with himself and with others. He is no longer hiding in books or afraid of love. He is embracing life and all of its complexities.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his future. He talks about how he is "afraid of dying" and how he is "afraid of living too long". This is a common fear that many people have, as they struggle to find a balance between living life to the fullest and not wanting to die. The speaker is admitting that he is afraid of both, and that he is unsure of what the future holds.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker comes to a realization. He talks about how he has "started to say" things that he never thought he would say, and how he is no longer afraid of love or hiding in books. He realizes that life is short and that he needs to embrace it while he can. He is no longer afraid of dying or living too long, because he knows that he has lived his life to the fullest.
"I Have Started To Say" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of life. It is a poem that speaks to everyone, regardless of their age or background. The poem is filled with a sense of nostalgia and longing, but it also has a message of hope and acceptance. The speaker is admitting his fears and his flaws, but he is also embracing life and all of its complexities. This is a message that we can all learn from, as we navigate the ups and downs of life.
In conclusion, "I Have Started To Say" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to inspire generations. It is a poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of life. The poem is filled with a sense of nostalgia and longing, but it also has a message of hope and acceptance. The speaker is admitting his fears and his flaws, but he is also embracing life and all of its complexities. This is a message that we can all learn from, as we navigate the ups and downs of life.
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