Poem Analysis - Days

A Simple Question, A Complex Answer

Philip Larkin's "Days" is a deceptively simple poem that grapples with the fundamental question of the purpose of life. The poem begins with a seemingly naive inquiry, quickly establishing a tone of earnest curiosity. However, it subtly shifts to a darker, more cynical outlook in the latter half, suggesting the potential futility of seeking easy answers to profound existential questions. The poem ultimately leaves the reader contemplating the very nature of existence and the challenges of finding meaning in the everyday.

The Illusion of Happiness and the Reality of Days

One of the central themes of "Days" is the elusive nature of happiness. The poem directly poses the question of whether days are "to be happy in," implying a societal expectation or perhaps a personal desire for joy. However, the abrupt shift in tone suggests that this idea of happiness is a simplification. The line "Where can we live but days?" emphasizes the inescapable reality of daily existence, perhaps hinting that focusing solely on happiness is a naive approach to life's complexities. The poem suggests that days are not inherently happy or unhappy but are simply the canvas upon which we paint our lives.

The Unsettling Arrival of Authority

The second half of the poem introduces a striking image: "the priest and the doctor / In their long coats / Running over the fields." This imagery represents the intrusion of societal authorities and established systems of belief (religion and medicine) into the question of life's purpose. The "long coats" could symbolize the weight of tradition and the serious nature of their professions. The fact that they are "running" suggests a sense of urgency or perhaps a desperate attempt to provide answers to an unsolvable riddle. Their arrival abruptly disrupts the initial simplicity, implying that the search for meaning is not a solitary or straightforward journey, but one fraught with external pressures and pre-determined answers.

Symbols of Meaning and the Void

The "fields" mentioned in the poem can be interpreted as a symbol of life itself, a vast and potentially fertile space. The priest and the doctor "running over the fields" could symbolize their attempts to impose order and meaning onto this chaotic landscape. The act of running suggests a desperate attempt to catch up or control something that is inherently wild and free. It also presents an interesting ambiguity: are they running *to* answer the question, or are they running *from* the void that the question opens up? The poem doesn't explicitly state what they hope to find, leaving the reader to question the validity and effectiveness of their efforts.

A Lasting Question of Purpose

In conclusion, "Days" is a poignant exploration of the search for meaning in everyday life. The poem begins with a seemingly simple question about the purpose of days and ends with a unsettling portrayal of society's attempts to answer it. The poem suggests that the pursuit of happiness, while desirable, might be an oversimplification of the human experience, and that the search for meaning is a complex and potentially unsettling endeavor, with no easy answers. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to provoke reflection on the very essence of our existence and the challenges of finding purpose within the confines of our days.