Philip Larkin: An Analysis
Abstract
Any poet of this stature is worthy of having his work
investigated. The procedure in this thesis has been to
examine Larkin's total literary output -- a study neglected
thus far -- and in so doing, place the poet in a tentative
literary context, discuss his poetic style and technique,
and trace his major or recurrent themes. The procedure of
the paper thus coincides with the purpose -- an analysis
rather than a critical judgment of an already -- acknowledged
artist. However, following the brief discussion of his
early works, and a more detailed analysis of his later
poetry (upon which his reputation is based), the conclusion
contains, in addition to an integrative summary, a modest
evaluation.