Skin

Question 1

‘Obedient daily ___________’ (Skin)

Answer 1

dress

Question 2

What is the main technique used in the poem Skin?

Answer 2

Extended metaphor - Larkin compares our skin to ‘obedient daily dress’.

Question 3

In Skin, why does Larkin compare our skin to ‘obedient daily dress’?

Answer 3

He is suggesting that skin, like clothing, protects us. However, we tend to see it as unremarkable and simply ‘obedient’.

Question 4

‘You cannot always keep/That _________ young surface’ (Skin)

Answer 4

unfakable

Question 5

In Skin, why does Larkin refer to the ‘unfakable young surface’?

Answer 5

He is suggesting that there is something inherently honest and authentic about being young.

Question 6

‘You must learn your _________’ (Skin)

Answer 6

lines

Question 7

What technique is used here: ‘You must learn your lines’ (Skin)

Answer 7

A pun. Larkin is referring to the lines that inevitably appear on ageing skin, but also the way that we must all learn our roles and play the part we have been given.

Question 8

‘Of the continuous coarse/Sand-laden wind, _____________’ (Skin)

Answer 8

time

Question 9

What technique is used here: ‘Of the continuous coarse/Sand-laden wind, time’ (Skin)

Answer 9

metaphor

Question 10

In Skin, why does Larkin compare time to a ‘continuous coarse/ Sand-laden wind’?

Answer 10

He is suggesting that the passing of time is unstoppable, as well as suggesting how growing older brings harsh (‘coarse’) truths that cannot be avoided.

Question 11

And pardon me, that/ I could find, when you were new/ No __________ festivity /To wear you at’ (Skin)

Answer 11

brash

Question 12

Does the poem Skin use a regular rhyme scheme, and why?

Answer 12

Yes. There is a regular ABACBC rhyme scheme. This is employed by Larkin to represent the inevitable and continual passing of time, which is marked by our skin’s ageing.