"Poetry should transform a sense of loss into something positive." Discuss how far Duffy and Larkin's poetry agrees with this statement.

Introduction:Larkin and Duffy are often described as "gloomy poets" incapable of transforming a sense of loss into something positive. 'Talking in Bed' and 'Mean Time' explore the concept of loss through the failure of a relationship; Larkin's adopts an unsurprised, nonchalant, tone, as if this is expected from humans whereas Duffy's narrative voice is bitter yet melancholic. 'Ambulances' and 'Never Go Back' examine the loss of life, in which Larkin criticises social attitudes towards mortality. However, in 'Never Go Back' Duffy reiterates a sense of moving on, one where individuals should not dwell on the loss of a past life.