Afternoons

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

Larkin lived in Coventry (1922-1985)

Depicts a scene of young mothers at a playground

Highlights repetitive nature of their days

Changing seasons mirror transitions in peoples lives

Larkin’s never had children so his view is pessimistic

Question 2

Form and structure

Answer 2

Three equals stanzas. To reinforce the idea of routine.

Narrated in third person

Melancholic tone

Themes of fading youth, demands of parenthood and loss of romance

Enjambment creates a sense of continuity

Larkin’s has an outside perspective

Question 3

S.I.F.T.L.F.I.O.A.T

Answer 3

Summer is fading, the leaves fallen ones and twos

Establishes - atmosphere

Imagery of fading summer and falling leaves

Gradual loss of youth and carefree days

Question 4

H.O.A/Y.M.A

Answer 4

Hollows of afternoons/young mothers assemble

Use of hollows, suggest emptiness

The unfilled nature of their daily routines

Central image of young mothers gathering

Reflects focal point for Larkin’s observations

Question 5

S.H.I.S.T

Answer 5

Stand husbands in skilled trades

Traditional gender roles

Fathers being breadwinners

Question 6

L/N.T.T

Answer 6

Lying/near the television

Pushing album to the side

Mundane realities of domestic life

Replacement of youthful pursuits

Question 7

I.R.T.C.P

Answer 7

Is ruining their courting places

Powerful metaphor

Responsibilities have eroded their romance

Present reality contrasted with their past

Question 8

P.S.T.T.S.O.T.O.L

Answer 8

Pushing them. to the side of their own lives

Metaphor

Young mothers have been displaced from the centre of their own existence

Demands of parenthood and society expectations