Searching for Larkin

As far as making a decision on which side of Larkin I prefer, I really don’t know. This is one of the times that being incredibly indecisive is getting the best of me. I think that to fully appreciate Larkin it is not quite possible to look at these two sides separately. I think that both sides of Larkin and his poetry are fundamental in understanding the other. You need his dark, witty side to understand his yearning semi-religious works.

Out of this collection, “Toads” is probably one of my more favorite poems. Larkin’s tone seems very sweet and true through this poem. He can’t help but be slightly romantic and sentimental in this, showing his witty side as well as a little bit of his beliefs in it. He seems slightly sarcastic and cynical, but it still seems very truthful. He seems to not be taking sides in this poem, but rather observing sides as well as himself. He seems to be accepting in this poem, acknowledging that life happens, and you just have to go with it. Larkin recognizes that what one desires in life will always lead to another desire, and the cycle continues. “Toads” emphasizes this internal struggle and desire for something better while still connecting to the basic human tendency to stay in one place.

Larkin’s slightly religious side, however, comes through more in “Church Going.” This poem seems to have much more room for Larkin’s feelings and his reflections on life and religion. While Larkin doesn’t necessarily seek a religious belief in this poem, he still seems to be on a search. He seems to be searching for something to replace religion with. In going to a church, Larkin recognizes something respectful in himself, but is not sure why he should feel this respect. He seems to be trying to find transcendence in something, but deep down, he knows it is not a possibility. Larkin recognizes that for some, church is a serious matter, but for many, like himself, there is not a deeper connection. He seems to acknowledge that maybe they should be more serious, but he does not understand why. This shows that the search is never ending and that we will always question everything.

So back to which I prefer, I am still sticking to my idea of needing both. I don’t think I would appreciate “Toads” without “Church Going” and vice versa. I need his search in religion to understand his romantic side. “It pleases me to stand in silence here,” seems to sum his poetry up pretty well. While standing in silence, not only can he observe, but he can also search, without ever having to move. It is these moments in life that Larkin is able to be a witty, romantic, and cynical all at the same time.