- Understand the themes of Philip Larkin's poetry, including love, change, disenchantment, and the inevitability of death.
- Analyze the poem 'Coming' and its relation to the concept of spring.
- Explore the significance of childhood memories as depicted in the poem.
- Examine the use of imagery and language in conveying emotions and themes.
- Discuss the role of nature in Larkin's poetry, particularly in relation to human experiences.
Coming
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopNotes on Philip Larkin's Poem 'Coming'
About the Poet
- Name: Philip Larkin (1922-1985)
- Birthplace: Coventry, England
- Literary Movement: Leader of the 'Movement' in English Poetry in the 1950s
- Notable Works: The North Ship, The Less Deceived, The Whitsun Weddings, High Windows
- Themes: Love, change, disenchantment, the mystery of survival, inevitability of death
Understanding the Poem
- Bird's Announcement: What does the bird in the poem announce? How is this related to the title, "Coming"?
- Childhood Description: Why is the speaker's childhood described as 'a forgotten boredom'?
- Element of Surprise: What causes the element of surprise when the child comes on the scene of 'adult reconciling'?
- Comparative Elements: What two things are compared in the poem?
- Response to Imagery: How do you respond to these lines?
- Light, chill and yellow,
- Bathes the serene
- Foreheads of houses
- Phrase Analysis: Comment on the use of the phrase 'fresh-peeled voice'.
Try This Out
- Spring Bird: The song of a bird is often the first sign of spring. Do you know the bird that signals the advent of vasant or spring in our country?
- Spring Poems: Do you know of other spring poems? How is this poem different from them?
Suggested Reading
- Poem: 'Ambulances' by Philip Larkin
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
TopNot found in provided text.
Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
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Multiple Choice Questions
A.
It signals the end of summer.
B.
It announces the arrival of spring.
C.
It symbolizes the poet's survival.
D.
It represents the inevitability of death.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The song of a bird is often the first sign of spring, which is related to the title 'Coming'.
A.
The child's laughter
B.
The child's innocence
C.
The child's sudden appearance
D.
The child's wisdom
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The element of surprise is the child's sudden appearance, interrupting the scene of 'adult reconciling'.
A.
As a time of joy and discovery.
B.
As 'a forgotten boredom'.
C.
As a period of intense learning.
D.
As a phase of rebellion.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
While Philip Larkin's themes often include the inevitability of death, the poem 'Coming' is not specifically about this theme according to the provided excerpt.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Larkin's themes cover love, change, disenchantment, and death's inevitability.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Philip Larkin is recognized as a leader of the 'Movement' in English poetry in the fifties.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt mentions that the poem is taken from the volume 'The Less Deceived'.
I can help you understand Coming better. Ask me anything!
Summarize the main points of Coming.
What are the most important terms to remember here?
Explain this concept like I'm five.
Give me a quick 3-question practice quiz.