historical context Flashcards
“lion’s share”, “maul to and fro” - Reasons for Attendance
The repetition of animal imagery presents those that give into such superficial base desires as primitive and undignified. Perhaps the mocking tone of the speaker reflects Larkin’s views on Britain moving toward a period go hedonism referred to as the ‘swinging sixties’, a decade marked by more liberal values and a focus on individual expression. Ideas about gender were also beginning to shift, as the introduction of the contraceptive pill in 1961 offered women greater freedom and control. Larkin generally identified as a Conservative and therefore perhaps didn’t support these evolving ideas around freedom.
“oblivion”, “the costly aversion of the eyes away from death” - Wants
Larkin explores ideas of mortality which may perhaps reflect his own anxieties regarding death. In 1955 (publication date of The Less Deceived) there was a growing fear of nuclear war as tension between the US and the USSR after World War Two brought a conflict referred to as ‘The Cold War’. It could be argued that some of Larkin’s poems in his collection - such as Wants, Going, Next, Please - were fuelled by fear of death in nuclear war.
“by law” - Maiden Name
Post World War Two saw a boom in marriage rates which was an attempt to return to normality via means of social convention. Larkin’ use of unromantic language perhaps suggests that Larkin thinks that marriage is cold and devoid of romance; conforming to the societal expectation to marry does not bring happiness.
“Wires”, “electric fences” - Wires
Reference to the introduction of modern technology: a new Britain.
“widest prairies”, “electric fences” -Wires
Perhaps symbolic of the vast British Empire. However, post World War Two, the Empire was no longer, and instead, Britain was isolated by “electric fences”.
“(His bag of samples knocking at his knees)”, “And so we rise” - Arrivals, Departures
The enticing nature of the opportunities in the poem is perhaps influenced by the growing sense of post-war optimism due to the ‘American Dream’.
“always scenting purer water” -Wires
Political party, Labour, rose to power after WW2, promising a fairer Britain.
