Afternoons Flashcards
What is the main theme of “Afternoons” by Philip Larkin?
The poem explores themes of time, change, and the passage of life, focusing on the loss of youth and the responsibilities of adulthood.
What do we know about Philip Larkin’s context when writing “Afternoons”?
Larkin was a 20th-century poet, often reflecting on modern life, its challenges, and feelings of disillusionment. He also explored the idea of social change in post-war Britain.
What is the structure of “Afternoons”?
The poem consists of 3 stanzas with irregular line lengths, representing the unpredictability of life and the cyclical nature of time.
What imagery does Larkin use in “Afternoons” to represent time and change?
Larkin uses imagery such as “summer is fading” and “the leaves fall in ones and twos,” suggesting the decline of youth and the inevitability of aging.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone is reflective, melancholic, and resigned, as Larkin contemplates the loss of youth and the weight of adult responsibilities.
Which quote highlights the passage of time in “Afternoons”?
“Something is pushing them / To the side of their own lives,” symbolizing how time forces people into the responsibilities of adulthood.
How does “Afternoons” comment on societal expectations?
The poem highlights the pressures of adult life, particularly motherhood, and the limitations placed on individuals as they grow older.
How does Larkin use nature in “Afternoons”?
Larkin uses images of fading nature, like “summer is fading” and “the leaves fall in ones and twos,” to mirror the fading of youth and the decline of idealistic hopes.
What is significant about Larkin’s use of language in the poem?
The language is simple and direct, which emphasizes the poem’s melancholy reflection on everyday life and the inevitability of growing up.
How does the poem reflect the responsibilities of adulthood?
Larkin writes about young mothers who “assemble” as they take on the responsibilities of child-rearing, symbolizing the shift from youth to adult obligations.
How does the setting contribute to the themes of the poem?
The setting of a fading summer, with phrases like “summer is fading,” represents the end of an era—youth—and the start of more mundane, adult life.
How does the poem use contrasts to emphasize the passage of time?
The contrast between the fading of summer (“summer is fading”) and the arrival of adult responsibilities (“the young mothers assemble”) highlights the transition from youth to adulthood.
What is the significance of the image of “the young mothers”?
“The young mothers assemble” suggests the inevitability of adulthood, where youth is replaced by the duties and societal expectations of parenting.
How does Larkin’s use of language in “Afternoons” emphasize the inevitability of time?
The simple, almost conversational language (“Something is pushing them”) reflects the inevitability and relentless nature of time pushing individuals toward adulthood.
What is the role of children in “Afternoons”?
The children are depicted as “Finding more unripe acorns,” representing the future and the expectations of parenthood that the young mothers must face, and how the children are not ready for it yet
How does the imagery of the “leaves” contribute to the poem’s meaning?
The “leaves fall in ones and twos” symbolize the passage of time, with the falling leaves mirroring the inevitable aging process and the fading of youth.
How does Larkin evoke a sense of quiet melancholy in the poem?
The poem’s reflective tone, combined with imagery like “summer is fading,” evokes a quiet sadness about the fleeting nature of time and the inevitable loss of youth.
How does the poem use everyday experiences to reflect larger themes of life?
Larkin takes a simple, everyday scene of young mothers and children to reflect broader themes of time, aging, and societal roles, showing how these ordinary moments are full of larger meaning.
“_________ is fading:”
Summer
“The leaves fall in ______ and twos”
Ones
“From trees ______”
Bordering
“In the ______ of afternoons”
Hollows
“Young mothers ______”
Assemble
“At swing and ______”
Sandpit
“Setting free their ______”
Children
“Behind them, at ______,”
Intervals
“Stand husbands in ______ trades”
Skilled
“An estateful of ______”
Washing
“And the albums, lettered / ______ Wedding, lying”
Our
“Before them, the ______ is ruining their courting-places”
Wind
“That are still ______”
Courting-places
“But the ______ are all in school”
Lovers
“And their children, so intent on / Finding more ______ acorns,”
Unripe
“Expect to be ______ home.”
Taken
“Their beauty has ______.”
Thickened
“Something is ______ them / To the side of their own lives.”
Pushing
How would you analyze this: “Summer is fading:”
The fading of summer represents the transition from youth to adulthood, symbolizing the loss of youthful vitality and the inevitable passage of time.
How would you analyze this: “The leaves fall in ones and twos”
The gradual fall of leaves reflects how time slips away unnoticed, with moments fading quietly, similar to how youth slowly gives way to adulthood.
How would you analyze this: “From trees bordering”
The trees create a boundary between childhood and adulthood, symbolizing the divide between carefree youth and the responsibilities of growing up.
How would you analyze this: “In the hollows of afternoons”
The “hollows of afternoons” suggest a sense of emptiness and passivity, reflecting the quiet, inevitable passing of time as one moves from youth into adulthood.
How would you analyze this: “Young mothers assemble”
The line suggests the shift from youthful freedom to the responsibilities of parenting. The mothers must now focus on their children, marking their transition into adulthood.
How would you analyze this: “At swing and sandpit”
These play areas represent childhood innocence and freedom, contrasting with the responsibilities the young mothers now face, showing the inevitable loss of youth.
How would you analyze this: “Setting free their children”
The mothers “setting free their children” can symbolize the release of youth into the future, suggesting that childhood will eventually fade as time moves forward.
How would you analyze this: “Behind them, at intervals,”
The image of fathers standing “at intervals” suggests a sense of distance and detachment, perhaps symbolizing the emotional or physical separation between the youthful past and the present responsibilities of adulthood.
How would you analyze this: “An estateful of washing”
The “estateful of washing” symbolizes the mundane and repetitive tasks of adult life, contrasting with the carefree nature of youth and emphasizing the responsibilities that come with adulthood.
How would you analyze this: “Before them, the wind is ruining their courting-places”
The wind “ruining their courting-places” represents the unstoppable passage of time, eroding the romantic spaces of youth and signaling the loss of innocence.
How would you analyze the theme of time in “Afternoons”?
Time is portrayed as inevitable and relentless, moving from the carefree days of summer to the responsibilities of adulthood. The imagery of “summer fading” and “leaves falling” represents the gradual and unavoidable passage of time.
How does Larkin explore the theme of adulthood in the poem?
Adulthood is depicted as a time of routine and responsibility, with imagery of “young mothers assemble” and “husbands in skilled trades.” These represent the shift from youthful freedom to the mundane duties of parenting and work.
How is the theme of the loss of youth portrayed in “Afternoons”?
Youth is shown as something that fades away with time. Larkin uses the fading “summer” and the children growing up (“lovers are all in school”) to reflect how youthful energy and innocence are replaced by the responsibilities of adulthood.
How does Larkin use nature to symbolize the passage of time?
Nature is a key symbol of time’s passage. “The leaves fall in ones and twos” and “the wind is ruining their courting-places” suggest how time erodes youth, with natural imagery representing change and decay.
How does Larkin depict the shift from youth to adulthood?
The poem contrasts youthful freedom with the weight of adulthood. The “swing and sandpit” represent childhood innocence, while “an estateful of washing” and “husbands in skilled trades” symbolize the mundane, routine nature of adult life.
