Poetry: Afternoons

Question 1

Whys: 1

Answer 1

Larkin laments the loss of youth and vitality in women during the 1960s as a result of
prescriptive gender roles and societal expectations.

Question 2

Whys: 2

Answer 2

Larkin is critical of the negative impact the pressure and tedium of family life and
responsibilities has on relationships, reflecting his unsentimental and pessimistic views about
love and marriage.