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Analysis of Here


Synopsis= This is the first poem to appear in 'The Whitsun Weddings' and on the surface Larkin describes in great detail the scenery that he observes on a long train journey. We can infer that the train journey is from London to Hull, after he moved to the location in 1955 and stayed there until his death (1985). Although it may be significant to Hull, Larkin's description can be applicable to any location, which is perhaps why the writer leaves the title so universal as "Here" can be a different location from person to person. 
As well as the physical journey that we embark on, it could also be argued that Larkin takes the reader on a metaphorical journey. One in which he takes to find himself and better himself, away from the restraints of society. This is clearly mirrored in some of his language used in "Here" but also more subtly embedded within his natural imagery. 

 Key Quotations + Analysis 
1.) "Swerving to Solitude"

  • In the first stanza, there is a clear repetition of  the active verb "Swerving". This could allude to the train that has to bend and "swerve" around obstacles as it is impossible to go straight forward.
  • "Swerving" is an unexpected action which could mimic the unexpected nature of life. We must unexpectedly change directions and swerve in order to reach our desired destination, even if this requires us to go backwards first in order to go forwards. This alludes to the lack of control that many of us have over our future.
  • "To solitude" suggests that Larkin is travelling away from the hustle and bustle of London, to a more quiet and less populated place in the countryside, such as "The Spurn" in Hull. 
  • However in a more metaphorical sense, Larkin could be "swerving to solitude" to avoid the company of others so he can find his own path. This is supported by highlighting the fact that "swerving" is an active verb which implies that Larkin is consciously aware of his choice to seek out solitude. 
2.) "Facing the sun, untalkative, out of reach"

  • This is the last line in the poem, and it could be perceived to have religious connotations associated to it. "Facing the sun" seems somewhat finite and it could allude to the white light that we face when we approach death, this is also significant as it is the final line, which could highlight that the speaker is 'facing the light' and have consequently reached the end of their journey, further accentuating a sense of finality. 
  • "Untalkative" could imply that God doesn't actively speak, he is untalkative as his presence is enough. It also reinforces the feeling of solitude that Larkin portrays heavily throughout. 
  • "Out of reach" is also a similar reference to Gods influence, he is out of reach but is always present. Furthermore, in reference to the train journey, "out of reach" could refer to an isolated part of Hull known as Spurns point which is a narrow stretch of land that goes out to sea. 
  • The impact of this final line can be positively or negatively interpreted depending on the beliefs of the reader, it is significant that Larkin has left it so open to judgement as we discussed that many parts of the poem "Here" (including the title) are subjective to the readers interpretation
3.) "Skies and scarecrows, haystacks, hairs"
  • Here Larkin's use of sibilance increases the musicality and rhythm of the poem which mimics the speed and flowing movement of the train as it goes from stop to stop. Its fluency allows it to be easily read therefore it is easier for the reader to reach "here".
  • Repeated 's' sound also replicates the sound of the changing wind which is further elongated by the listing of words. 
  • This line also captures Larkins immense attention to fine details as he passes by at great speed. 

4.) Structure
  • The first three stanzas contrast heavily, in terms of structure, with the final stanza. Initially Larkin uses long sentences to portray the flowing and continuous journey of the train through the countryside and town. However, the first full stop used in the 4th stanza "Loneliness clarifies." signals something finite, perhaps the speaker has finally reached the end of their train journey. 
  • Also it is important to note the difference in iambic pentameter between these stanzas, for the first three stanza's the iambic pentameter is flawless until the final stanza where it becomes more erratic. This could imply that the speaker feels free to be himself now he has reached "Here" and does not have to put up a front, he is no longer restrained by society.  
Links to Duffy 
1.) Small female Skull
2.) Caul 
3.) Before you were mine
4.) Stafford Afternoons 


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