Poem Analysis - Absences

A Landscape of Loss

Philip Larkin's "Absences" is a concise yet evocative poem that paints a picture of vast, empty spaces. The poem begins with a depiction of a wild and untamed sea, and then transitions to an equally boundless sky. The tone is initially descriptive, almost detached, but it shifts towards a more personal and melancholic reflection on the idea of absence. Ultimately, the poem uses the imagery of these immense natural spaces to explore feelings of emptiness and personal loss.

The Unburdened Self

While direct biographical connections are not essential to understanding the poem, it is worth noting that Larkin often explored themes of isolation and disillusionment in his work. In "Absences," the title itself immediately introduces the central theme: the experience of something, or someone, being gone. The last two lines, "Such attics cleared of me! Such absences!" suggest that the speaker is not merely observing external emptiness but also reflecting on an internal state. This internal emptiness might stem from the loss of a relationship, the waning of youthful aspirations, or a general sense of detachment from the world.

Nature's Echo of Emptiness

One of the primary themes is the exploration of absence through natural imagery. The sea, described as having "no ships and no shallows," suggests a vastness that is devoid of human presence or comfort. The "shoreless day," riddled by wind, further emphasizes this sense of boundlessness and emptiness. The poem’s imagery works to equate the speaker's inner state with the surrounding environment. Just as the sea lacks ships and the day lacks a shore, the speaker feels similarly unmoored and lacking in connection or substance.

Shifting Galleries and Fleeting Moments

The poem is rich in vivid imagery. The sea is described as having "fast-running floors, collapsing into hollows," creating a sense of instability and transience. The "lit-up galleries" in the sky, which shift and "sift away," reinforce this idea of impermanence. The image of the "attics cleared of me" is particularly striking. Attics often represent the storage of memories and personal belongings. The image of an attic cleared out implies a significant loss of self, as if the speaker has been emptied of their past experiences and identity. A question that arises: does this "clearing" represent a forced or chosen detachment?

Final Thoughts on Loss and Liberation

In conclusion, "Absences" uses the natural world as a mirror reflecting the speaker's internal state. The poem's initial descriptive tone evolves into a poignant meditation on emptiness and loss. The vastness and impermanence of the sea and sky become symbolic of the speaker's own feelings of detachment and the shedding of personal history. While the poem evokes a sense of melancholy, the "clearing" of the "attics" could also suggest a form of liberation, a shedding of burdens, however painful. Ultimately, "Absences" is a powerful exploration of the complex relationship between inner experience and the external world, leaving the reader to contemplate the multifaceted nature of loss and the potential for renewal.