Analyse Philip Larkin's poem 'Here'. Your response must include a detailed discussion of how meanings are shaped in the poem.

To go about answering this question (or any poetry analysis), I would firstly advise noting anything that immediately stands out of the poem - for me, it would be the consistent imagery of nature and the neat 8 line stanza structure, so you can then interpret these in relation to the meaning of the poem (i.e. a sense of harmony and perfection in the natural world). Key things to recognise when analysing poetry: 1) Form - No. of lines, line lengths, free verse or structured stanzas? 2) Rhyme/rhythm - Perfect or half rhyme? Conversational? Blank verse? How does the poem sound aloud - is there alliteration, onomatopoeia, enjambment, caesuras? 3) Imagery - Are there repeated images? Any unusual or out of place descriptions? What kind of scene is it? Similes and metaphors? 4) Tone - How does the poem make you feel/what does it make you think of? Compare the tone of the beginning and the end, has there been a shift? Is it melancholic? Patriotic? Bleak/depressing? Euphoric? Hopeful? Dreamy?I would recommend using at least 2/3 quotations (or a comment on form/rhyme etc.) per paragraph. I would also really emphasise not being afraid to be original - a point that may not be obvious to others is a good thing, as you can use this as an alternative interpretation (i.e. "While some may view...as..., in my mind, rather..."). The best structure to use for each paragraph is P.E.A. - Point: Briefly state the idea evoked. Evidence: Use the quote to prove your point. Analysis: Why have you used this quote in particular? What effect does it have (on you, on the poem, and even on society - can it be linked as a wider criticism on the world)?