Wires

Question 1

how does Larkin use structure in Wires to illustrate his messages?

Answer 1

there is more enjambment in the first stanza than second; suggests searching, exploration - deception? the steers think there is freedom - a visual manifestation of physical space

Question 2

how does Larkin use rhyme in Wires to explore his themes?

Answer 2

• places wires at the centre which emphasises control
• reflects constraints within the poem; cyclical, inescapable
• before the 2nd stanza there is hope for beyond the wires, but it just becomes a repeat of the beginning; no progression of freedom

Question 3

analyse the quote: ‘the widest prairies have electric fences’ from Wires

Answer 3

• superlative ‘widest’ reinforces space; ironic as they are seemingly free (illusion)
• juxtaposition of ‘prairies’ and ‘fences’ suggest limitation of opportunities/imagination
• ‘electric fence’ is not just a normal fence; symbolic of modernism and desire to return to simpler times

Question 4

analyse the quote ‘always scenting purer water’ from Wires

Answer 4

• ‘always’ constant, instinctual, never fulfilled
• ‘purer water’ as a metaphor for a better life? freedom and opportunity? dreams and goal?
• water not grass - water is fluid and changeable, as freedom/dreams are

Question 5

analyse the quote ‘not here but anywhere.’ from Wires

Answer 5

• desperation to escape
• caesura signifies the end of freedom

Question 6

analyse the quote ‘beyond the wires / leads them to blunder up against the wires’ from Wires

Answer 6

• heavy enjambment where the gap is symbolic of the space and the false hope of freedom
• ‘blunder’ feels accidental suggesting the steers are not sure of their decision presenting younger generation as foolish/naive
• Larkin’s 3rd person perspective almost aligns himself with the older generations; an observer
• don’t understand why they are doing it, it is just instinct; steers are inexperienced so perhaps this was a mistake (because they should, in society’s eyes, by content with what they have)
• didn’t expect the wires - deception
• ‘blunder’ plosives show strength/determination to break free

Question 7

analyse the quote ‘whose muscle-shredding violence’ from Wires

Answer 7

• ‘whose’ belongs to the wires, they are actively harming; suggests society is not welcoming to the younger generation and that social limitations are imposing and powerful
• ‘violence’ shows society using fear as a manipulation tactic; does society actually care about how we feel?
• ‘muscle-shredding’ is compound pre-modifying adjective; emotive, almost personifying the wires; hyperbolic - suggests no new freedom is won without violence and struggle

Question 8

analyse the quote ‘young steers become old cattle’ from Wires

Answer 8

• metaphor for older and younger generation; youth think they have freedom but become disillusioned through their experiences of society; worldview is hemmed in and they don’t feel the need to strive for more
• ‘become’ language of transformation suggests its not youth just gaining knowledge, but they’ve intrinsically changed; transformation is an act of violence; for the individual it may feel like chance (‘blunder’) but it is a destined, necessary, formative experience
• consequences of society/socially imposed norms is cyclical, generational trauma of gaining knowledge but losing freedom