- 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.
Melodious tune
B.
Fresh-peeled voice
C.
Harmonious sound
D.
Chirping melody
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'fresh-peeled voice' is used to describe a bird's song in the poem.
A.
The North Ship
B.
The Less Deceived
C.
The Whitsun Weddings
D.
The Waste Land
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
'The Waste Land' is not a work by Philip Larkin; it is by T.S. Eliot. The other options are principal works of Larkin.
A.
Through optimistic and hopeful imagery.
B.
With a sense of disenchantment and inevitability.
C.
Using metaphorical references to nature.
D.
By focusing on historical events.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The poem 'Coming' is taken from the volume 'The Less Deceived'.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem 'Coming' includes comparisons, one of which involves a bird and a child.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt lists 'The Whitsun Weddings' as one of Philip Larkin's principal works.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Philip Larkin is recognized as a leader of the 'Movement' in English poetry in the fifties.
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