"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.

PG
Answered by Pankti G. English Literature tutor

3674 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Women are either innocent victims or sinister predators or significantly absent. To what extent is this true of ‘Macbeth?’


Read the poem 'Growth' by Les Murray on page 2 of the source booklet and reread the anthology poem 'A Minor Role' by U A Thanthorpe. Compare the methods that both poets use to explore responses to serious illness (30 Marks).


How do I structure an successful essay based on comparing novels?


Through a detailed study of Hamlet and comparative reference to The Revenger’s Tragedy, discuss the ways tragedies do or do not reassure audiences that good can triumph over evil.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning