Poem Analysis - Breadfruit

Introduction: A Cycle of Desire and Disillusionment

Philip Larkin's "Breadfruit" is a cynical and somewhat melancholic exploration of male fantasy and the inevitable disappointments of adult life. The poem presents a stark contrast between youthful dreams of exotic sexual encounters and the mundane realities of marriage, family, and financial strain. Its tone is initially suggestive and playful, but quickly shifts to a pessimistic assessment of human aspirations, ultimately returning to the initial fantasy, now tinged with the bitterness of experience. The poem's cyclical nature suggests the futility of escaping the allure of unrealistic desires.

The Elusive Promise of Paradise

One of the poem's central themes is the unattainable nature of paradise, represented by the image of "native girls who bring breadfruit." This exotic fantasy embodies a yearning for freedom, sexual fulfillment, and escape from the constraints of Western society. The "breadfruit" itself could be interpreted as a symbol of easy sustenance and natural abundance, contrasting sharply with the later "mortgaged semi-" and the need to "scheme with money." The poem suggests that this idealized vision is a powerful driving force in young men's lives, motivating them to conform to societal expectations in the hopes of achieving it, even though it's never truly within reach.

Conformity and the Crushing Weight of Reality

Another significant theme is the pressure to conform and the subsequent disillusionment. The boys, driven by their fantasies, attempt to integrate into conventional society by joining the "tennis club," going to "the Mecca," using "deodorants," and escorting "ex-schoolgirls to the pub." These activities represent a striving for social acceptance and a misguided belief that these actions will lead them to the fulfillment of their desires. However, the poem argues that this conformity only leads to a life of quiet desperation, symbolized by the "mortgaged semi-," "nippers," and "the widowed mum." The shift in language from playful to somber highlights the stark contrast between expectation and reality.

Recurring Imagery: From Exoticism to the Mundane

The poem's imagery reinforces its themes of fantasy versus reality. The juxtaposition of the exotic "native girls who bring breadfruit" with the mundane "mortgaged semi-" and "silver birch" creates a powerful sense of contrast. The "breadfruit" represents the allure of the unknown and the promise of sexual adventure, while the suburban imagery embodies the stifling routines of domestic life. This recurring imagery underscores the idea that the initial fantasy, while never fulfilled, continues to haunt the men even in their old age, a constant reminder of what could have been, or more accurately, what never could be.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Illusion

"Breadfruit" ultimately portrays a pessimistic view of human aspiration, suggesting that our dreams are often based on unrealistic fantasies that ultimately lead to disappointment. The poem's cyclical structure, returning to the initial image of the "naked native girls who bring breadfruit" in the final stanza, reinforces the idea that this idealized vision, however flawed, continues to hold sway over men's imaginations throughout their lives. The final repetition, however, isn’t triumphant; it’s weary, resigned. The poem leaves us contemplating the enduring power of illusion and the difficulty of reconciling our desires with the constraints of reality, and perhaps, asking if a life devoid of fantasy is worth living at all.