'Afternoons,' by Philip Larkin (a post-war/modern poem)

Question 1

Summer…

Answer 1

Summer is fading

Question 2

Setting…

Answer 2

Setting free their children

Question 3

the albums, lettered / Our Wedding, lying…

Answer 3

the albums, lettered / Our Wedding, lying / Near the television

Question 4

Their beauty…

Answer 4

Their beauty has thickened.

Question 5

Something is pushing them…

Answer 5

Something is pushing them / To the side of their own lives.

Question 6

What is the poem about?

Answer 6

Larkin describes the dull empty lives of young mothers at the park.

Question 7

What did Larkin hate?

Answer 7

He hated fame, even turning down the offer of becoming ‘Poet Laureate.’

Question 8

What kind of life did Larkin lead?

Answer 8

He led a quiet life, working as a librarian for 30 years and never marrying or having a family of his own.

Question 9

What do Larkin’s poems often contain?

Answer 9

Larkin’s poems often contain detailed observations of everyday life.

Question 10

What do some critics say about his poetry?

Answer 10

His critics say his poetry is overly negative and miserable.