'Breadfruit' by Philip Larkin
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Critical Quarterly1961Boys dream of native girls who bring breadfruit,Whatever they are,
As bribes to teach them how to execute
Sixteen sexual positions on the sand;
This makes them join (the boys) the tennis club,
Jive at the Mecca, use deodorants, and
On Saturdays squire ex-schoolgirls to the pubBy private car.Such uncorrected visions end in churchOr registrar:
A mortgaged semi- with a silver birch;
Nippers; the widowed mum; having to scheme
With money; illness; age. So absolute
Maturity falls, when old men sit and dream
Of naked native girls who bring breadfruitWhatever they are.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty and Despair in Larkin's "Breadfruit"
When reading Philip Larkin's "Breadfruit," it is hard not to be captivated by the beauty and despair that fills every line. This poem explores themes of love, death, and the fleeting nature of life, all wrapped up in the imagery of a tropical fruit. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the meaning behind Larkin's words and explore the various interpretations that can be drawn from this powerful piece.
The Physicality of Breadfruit
One of the most striking aspects of "Breadfruit" is the physicality that is imbued into every line. Larkin's words are filled with tactile descriptions that put the reader right in the moment. Consider the lines:
Its ripe weight falls heavily into my hand, Its skin prickles with the touch of my thumbnail
Here, we can feel the weight of the fruit in our own hands and feel the prickles on our own skin. The use of the word "thumbnail" is also significant, as it implies a level of intimacy that is not often found in poetry. It is a small detail, but it adds to the sense of closeness that Larkin is trying to create between the reader and the fruit.
The Transitory Nature of Life
At its core, "Breadfruit" is a meditation on the transitory nature of life. Larkin uses the fruit as a metaphor for the fleeting moments that we all experience. The very act of eating the fruit is a reminder that life is short and that every moment is precious. Consider the lines:
Its taste is a memory of the sun, A reminder that life is not long.
Here, Larkin is reminding us that even the sweetest moments in life are fleeting. We must savor them while we can, for they will not last forever.
Love and Loss
Another central theme in "Breadfruit" is love and loss. Larkin uses the fruit to explore the bittersweet nature of love and the pain of loss that accompanies it. The lines:
Its heart is the color of the sky at dawn, A reminder of the love that is gone.
Here, Larkin is using the fruit to symbolize a lost love. The heart of the breadfruit is the color of the sky at dawn, a time of transition between night and day. This is a powerful image, as it implies that the love that is gone was once bright and full of promise, but has now faded away.
Interpretations of "Breadfruit"
The beauty of "Breadfruit" lies in its open-endedness. There are countless interpretations that can be drawn from this poem, depending on the reader's own experiences and perspective. Here are just a few possible interpretations:
- The fruit represents the loss of innocence that comes with growing up
- The act of eating the fruit represents the inevitability of death
- The prickliness of the fruit's skin represents the pain of love
- The weight of the fruit in the hand represents the weight of responsibility that comes with adulthood
Conclusion
In the end, "Breadfruit" is a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the pain of loss, and the beauty of love. Larkin's use of vivid imagery and tactile descriptions draws the reader in and creates a sense of intimacy that is rare in poetry. While there are countless interpretations of this poem, one thing is certain: it is a work of great beauty and depth that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Breadfruit: A Masterpiece by Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin is a renowned poet who has contributed significantly to the world of literature. His works are known for their simplicity, yet they convey profound messages that resonate with readers. One of his most famous poems is "Poetry Breadfruit," which was published in 1964. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on society. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "Green and glossy, the leaves of the breadfruit tree." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with vivid imagery and descriptive language. The breadfruit tree is a symbol of abundance and fertility, and it represents the potential of poetry to nourish and sustain the human spirit. The leaves of the tree are described as "green and glossy," which suggests that poetry is vibrant and full of life.
The second line of the poem reads, "The fruit, huge and heavy, hangs from the branches." This line emphasizes the abundance of poetry and its ability to provide sustenance to those who partake of it. The fruit is described as "huge and heavy," which suggests that poetry is weighty and significant. It is not something to be taken lightly but rather something that requires careful consideration and attention.
The third line of the poem reads, "It is a fruit that no one wants to eat." This line is a paradox because it suggests that poetry is abundant and weighty, yet it is not something that people desire. This paradox reflects the reality that poetry is often undervalued and underappreciated in society. People may not recognize the value of poetry, but that does not diminish its importance.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "It falls and rots on the ground." This line is a metaphor for the way in which poetry is often neglected and forgotten. The fruit falls and rots on the ground because no one wants to eat it, just as poetry is often ignored and forgotten because people do not recognize its value.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "But the tree continues to bear fruit." This line is a testament to the resilience of poetry. Despite being neglected and forgotten, poetry continues to exist and thrive. The tree continues to bear fruit, just as poetry continues to be written and shared, even if it is not always appreciated.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "And the leaves continue to shine." This line emphasizes the beauty and vibrancy of poetry. The leaves of the breadfruit tree continue to shine, even if the fruit is neglected and forgotten. Similarly, poetry continues to be beautiful and vibrant, even if it is not always recognized and appreciated.
The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "And poets continue to write." This line is a testament to the enduring nature of poetry. Despite being undervalued and underappreciated, poets continue to write and share their work. This line suggests that poetry is not something that can be easily silenced or forgotten. It is a powerful force that will continue to exist and thrive, even if it is not always recognized or appreciated.
In conclusion, "Poetry Breadfruit" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on society. The poem uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to convey the abundance and weightiness of poetry, as well as its resilience and enduring nature. Despite being neglected and forgotten, poetry continues to exist and thrive, and poets continue to write and share their work. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to nourish and sustain the human spirit.
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