In class we read Whitsun Weddings by Philip Larkin and analysed it through the drawing of his physical and mental journey from Hull to London.
During my analysis of the work i realised that there is an abundant use of literary traits, here are a few:
I recognised that there is a lot of imagery that relates to travelling by train and wrote these quotes down along the way. e.g. “and now and then the smell of grass displaced the reek of buttoned carriage cloth” and “bright knots of rail”. these Quotes implant a visual train journey in your mind. this is one of Larkin’s fortes.
I also noticed that his transition from being indifferent to marriage to considering it deeply is elucidated through the last stanza where Larkin states that “A sense of falling like an arrow shower sent out of sight” this marks his decent into acceptance.
Another interesting line is when the poem expresses that the families of the people getting married wore “heals and veils” and they “waved goodbye” this symbolises not only a wedding but this can also symbolise a funeral, this could signify that the brides and grooms are leaving or dying in their old life alone and departing on a voyage of new found adventure and entering a new chapter of life.
His encapsulation of both the concepts of funerals and the afore mentioned quote about the falling arrow shower can lead us to presuppose that he fears and resents death. This notion is further explicated when we read other Larkin poems such as ‘Aubade’ or ‘Bridge for the living’.
In order to conclude this it is viable to perceive that Larkin’s trip to London was his attempt at turning over a new page in his life and it is possible that the weddings he witnessed caused him to reinterpret his morales and ideals.
Lucas' English Portfolio 