Poem Analysis - Is It For Now Or For Always

Introduction: A Moment of Decision

Philip Larkin's "Is It For Now Or For Always" is a brief but potent exploration of love's precarious nature. The poem begins with a sense of uncertainty and questioning, a hesitant wonder at the possibility of lasting love. As the poem progresses, a shift occurs from doubt to a firm declaration of commitment, culminating in an embrace of the present moment as the only eternity we can truly grasp. The overall tone moves from apprehensive to resolute, mirroring the speaker's internal journey.

Themes: The Uncertainty and Acceptance of Love

One of the primary themes in the poem is the uncertainty of love. The first two stanzas are riddled with questions. The speaker wonders if the connection is fleeting ("Is it for now or for always?") or genuine ("Is it a trick or a trysting-place?"). This reflects a common anxiety surrounding new love: the fear of it being illusory or temporary. This insecurity is amplified by the imagery of the world "hanging on a stalk," suggesting a fragility and precariousness to existence itself, mirrored in the speaker's relationship. Another theme is the power of the present moment. The final stanza rejects the need for guarantees of permanence. The line "For always is always now" suggests that the only "always" we can be sure of is the present. It's a call to embrace love in the immediate, rather than worrying about the future. Finally, there is a theme of faith and courage. The speaker calls on their "sudden angel" to "break fear with breast and brow." This suggests that embracing love requires a leap of faith, a willingness to overcome anxieties and insecurities in order to fully experience the relationship.

Symbolism: Sunlight, Woods and Angels

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's meaning. The woods, the "trysting-place," could symbolize the unknown and potentially dangerous territory of love. It is a place of both possibility and potential deception. The speaker is unsure if they are in a safe haven or a trap. The image of the sun being juggled suggests a playful yet potentially unstable reality. The suns could be seen as signs of hope and joy, but the comparison to "juggling-balls" implies that these positive signs could easily fall apart, reinforcing the anxiety about the relationship's durability. The "sudden angel" is a particularly striking image. This figure represents the loved one, but also seems to embody a kind of divine intervention or grace. The angel's ability to "break fear" highlights the transformative power of love to overcome doubt and insecurity.

Ambiguity: A Leap of Faith or an Act of Desperation?

While the poem ends on a note of resolution, a lingering ambiguity remains. Is the speaker's declaration "I take you now and for always" a genuine act of faith and commitment, or a desperate attempt to convince themselves (and perhaps their lover) of the relationship's permanence? The poem offers no definitive answer, leaving the reader to ponder the motivations behind this embrace of the present. The earlier questions, so full of doubt, are never explicitly answered. The speaker simply chooses to ignore them, suggesting that sometimes love requires a willful suspension of disbelief.

Conclusion: Embracing the Ephemeral

In conclusion, "Is It For Now Or For Always" is a poignant exploration of love's uncertainties and the courage required to embrace it fully. Larkin masterfully conveys the anxiety and doubt that often accompany new relationships. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true love requires a leap of faith, a willingness to set aside concerns about the future and embrace the present moment. The poem's significance lies in its recognition of the ephemeral nature of life and love and its call to find joy and meaning in the "now," making the most of the fleeting moments we have.