Poem Analysis - Going Going

Introduction: A Lament for Lost England

Philip Larkin's "Going, Going" is a poignant lament for the vanishing English countryside and a critique of unchecked industrialization and consumerism. The poem begins with a nostalgic recollection of a seemingly timeless rural landscape, gradually shifting into a pessimistic forecast of a future dominated by concrete and waste. The tone moves from a sense of complacent expectation to one of profound disillusionment and impending doom. The poem serves as a warning, tinged with resignation, about the irreversible changes transforming England.

Context of Change: Post-War England and Social Commentary

While specific historical context is not explicitly stated in the prompt, it is important to acknowledge that Larkin wrote "Going, Going" during a period of significant social and economic change in post-war England. The poem reflects anxieties about the rapid expansion of urban areas, the decline of traditional rural communities, and the rise of a consumerist culture driven by profit. This backdrop informs the poem's critique of the forces driving the destruction of the natural landscape.

The Erosion of Innocence: A Central Theme

One of the central themes of "Going, Going" is the erosion of innocence and the loss of a simpler, more idyllic way of life. The opening stanzas evoke a nostalgic image of "fields and farms" and "village louts" climbing trees, representing a connection to nature and a sense of carefree existence. This image is juxtaposed with the later depiction of "split level shopping," "bleak high-risers," and screaming children demanding "more," illustrating the encroachment of modern consumer culture and the destruction of natural beauty. The poem suggests that this loss of innocence is a direct result of unchecked greed and the relentless pursuit of profit.

The Specter of Destruction: The Theme of Environmental Degradation

Another significant theme is environmental degradation and the destruction of the natural world. Larkin uses vivid imagery to portray the pollution and industrialization that are transforming the landscape. The "filth in the sea," the "bricks," "concrete and tyres," and the "garbage" all contribute to a sense of overwhelming environmental decay. The poem suggests that while nature may be resilient to a degree ("earth will always respond"), there is a limit to its capacity to absorb the impact of human activity. The final image of England becoming the "first slum of Europe" underscores the catastrophic consequences of this destruction.

A Futile Resistance: The Theme of Powerlessness

The poem also explores a sense of powerlessness in the face of these destructive forces. The speaker initially believes that escape is possible ("we can always escape in the car"), but this illusion is shattered as the poem progresses. The line "Despite all the land left free / For the first time I feel somehow / That it isn’t going to last" marks a crucial turning point, signifying the speaker's realization that the destruction is inevitable. The final lines, "Most things are never meant…I just think it will happen, soon," convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of the impending doom, highlighting the individual's inability to prevent the destruction of the natural world.

Recurring Concrete: Symbolism of Loss and Decay

The recurring image of "concrete" serves as a powerful symbol of the loss of the natural world and the triumph of industrialization. It represents the cold, sterile, and artificial environment that is replacing the organic beauty of the countryside. Similarly, the "tyres" symbolize the pollution and waste associated with consumer culture and the automobile, which is initially presented as a means of escape but ultimately becomes a symbol of the problem. The "spectacled grins" on the "Business Page" symbolize the detached and amoral nature of those who are driving the destruction for their own financial gain.

Concluding Thoughts: An Elegy for a Vanishing Landscape

"Going, Going" is more than just a poem about environmental destruction; it is an elegy for a vanishing way of life. It captures a sense of profound loss and disillusionment, warning of the consequences of unchecked greed and the destruction of the natural world. The poem's pessimistic tone and vivid imagery serve as a powerful indictment of the forces that are transforming the English landscape, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease about the future and the enduring power of human actions to shape the world around us. The finality of the poem suggests a future where only remnants of old England remain, preserved in books and galleries, a stark contrast to the reality of "concrete and tyres."