Poem Analysis - Afternoons

A Bleak Portrait of Suburban Stagnation

Philip Larkin's "Afternoons" is a poignant and somewhat melancholic depiction of suburban life and the subtle disillusionment that can creep into marriage and motherhood. The poem opens with the fading of summer, a symbolic parallel to the fading of youthful dreams and aspirations. The tone is observational and tinged with a sense of resignation. There is a palpable shift from the vibrancy of courting days to the muted reality of domestic routine, leaving the reader with a feeling of quiet sadness and inevitability.

The Weight of Domesticity

One of the primary themes in "Afternoons" is the burden of domesticity and the feeling of being confined by societal expectations. The images of "an estateful of washing" and the wedding album "lying near the television" speak to the mundane realities of married life. These objects are not inherently negative, but within the context of the poem, they represent a kind of entrapment. The "husbands in skilled trades" are equally bound by their roles, their presence "at intervals" suggesting a detached engagement with family life. The poem subtly critiques the prescribed roles of men and women within the 1950s English suburban landscape.

The Loss of Youth and Potential

Another prominent theme is the loss of youth and the potential that once seemed limitless. The "courting-places" that are "still courting-places (But the lovers are all in school)" serve as a stark reminder of a past filled with possibility. The fact that the lovers are now replaced by schoolchildren highlights the cyclical nature of life and the passing of time. The phrase "Their beauty has thickened" is a particularly loaded statement, implying not only physical change but also a dulling of spirit. The mothers are no longer the vibrant young women who once dreamt of exciting futures; they are now primarily defined by their roles as wives and mothers.

Symbolism of the Changing Seasons

The recurring image of the changing seasons acts as a powerful symbol of transition and decline. The poem opens with "Summer is fading," immediately establishing a mood of loss and decay. This image is echoed in the "leaves fall[ing] in ones and twos," subtly reminding the reader of the passage of time and the inevitable march towards aging and obsolescence. The "unripe acorns" that the children are collecting can be interpreted as a symbol of unrealized potential, mirroring the unfulfilled dreams of their mothers. The wind "ruining their courting-places" further emphasizes the destructive force of time and the erosion of youthful ideals.

A Quiet Crisis of Identity

In conclusion, "Afternoons" is a masterful portrayal of the quiet crisis of identity experienced by these young mothers. The poem uses subtle imagery and a detached tone to convey a deep sense of melancholy and resignation. The recurring symbols of fading summer, domestic objects, and abandoned courting-places all contribute to the poem's overarching message about the limitations of societal expectations and the inevitable loss of youthful dreams. The final line, "Something is pushing them / To the side of their own lives," encapsulates the poem's central theme: the sense of being marginalized and displaced by the demands of marriage, motherhood, and the relentless passage of time. The reader is left to ponder: What can be done to resist this "pushing," or is it an unavoidable aspect of life?