Consider the theme of death in the poems of Philip Larkin.

Many of Philip Larkin;s poems engage with the theme of death, notably 'Dockery and Son' and 'Days'. These poems provide musings on death with bleak narratives in Larkin's often cynical tone, as Larkin laments that "Life is first boredom, then fear./ Whether or not we use it, it goes", and asks "Where can we live but days?''. Here he also ponders on the fleeting nature of time and how it leads us ever closer to death, regardless of whether we feel we have made the most of it.However, Larkin does show us a more hopeful perspective in 'An Arundel Tomb' where his stance is less bleak. He suggests that although death may be final 'What will survive of us is love", implying that the strength of human connection and emotion is stronger and more powerful than death and its inevitability.

IW
Answered by Imogen W. English Literature tutor

7504 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does Bronte convey the psyche of the Victorian woman through Gothic themes in Jane Eyre?


‘Women struggle to find an identity in a world dominated by men’. By comparing The Great Gatsby with Sister Carrie, discuss how far you agree with this view. (30 Marks)


How is the theme of pride demonstrated within Christopher Marlowe's 'Paradise Lost'?


“Most important to crime writing is the sense that there will be a resolution and the criminal punished” Explore the significance of resolution in 2 crime texts you have studied.


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