Afternoons by Phillip Larkin

Question 1

What does Larkin use Afternoons as a vehicle to?

Answer 1

To criticise the societal prescriptions placed upon young women in the 1950s and 60s. He argues that women are obliged to grow up before their time in order to get married and have children.

Question 2

Initially point

Answer 2

Larkin highlights the development of young women as mothers and their lack of control in the mid 20th century society

Question 3

Initially… (quote 1)

Answer 3

“The summer fading”

• is gradual, as is the way that woman are indoctrinated to believe that this is the only way they can live
• The “summer” could also be representative of their fun and happy youth fading after they enter womanhood, and gradually they begin to fall into the forced prescriptive lives set out by society.

Question 4

Initially… (quote 2)

Answer 4

“Settings free their children”

• is ironic because the mothers are restricted, and the children are free. This is ironic because we know that the children will grow up to lead the same lives as their mothers.
• Develops a cyclical aspect of the female role in the 20th century

Question 5

As the text develops point

Answer 5

Larkin emphasises the gender stereotypical roles that were placed upon both men and women by society, as well as the effect that this regimented society had on relationships

Question 6

As the text develops… (quote 1)

Answer 6

“Behind them, at intervals”

-shows that the relationships are divided and regimented, because of the societal expectations placed upon young couples

Question 8

As the text develops… (quote 2)

Answer 8

“Skilled trades”

-suggests that the men are the bread winners, but also have strict expectations placed on them. However, this also shows the lack of ‘skill’ amongst the woman.

Question 9

Ultimately point

Answer 9

Larkin highlights the oblivious nature of the young children who are so desperate to grow up, despite the fact that they will become restrained by society

Question 10

Ultimately… (quote 1)

Answer 10

“Unripe acorns”

• suggests that the children want to grow up before their time, but they are unaware of the realities and restrictions that will follow.

Question 11

Ultimately… (quote 2)

Answer 11

“Something is pushing them”- highlights the lack of autonomy over their live when they grow up
-Larkin is criticising society that stimulates the development of children who are not ready

Question 12

As the text develops… (quote 3)

Answer 12

“Our wedding, lying”

- the hopes of the young married couple have now dispersed and been destroyed, they no longer represent the truth.