Poem Analysis - Poetry Of Departures

Introduction: The Allure of Escape

Philip Larkin's "Poetry of Departures" explores the seductive fantasy of abandoning one's life for an unknown future. The poem begins with a sense of detached admiration for those who have made such a drastic choice, then transitions into a personal consideration of this desire. While initially seeming to endorse the impulse to flee, the poem ultimately questions the authenticity and potential artificiality of such a move. The tone shifts from admiration to introspection and finally to a kind of resigned cynicism, creating a complex portrait of internal conflict.

Yearning for a Radical Reset

One of the central themes is the discontent with domesticity and routine. Larkin presents a scenario where leaving everything behind is seen as "audacious, purifying, / Elemental." The poem suggests that there's a common, perhaps universal, yearning to escape the perceived constraints of everyday life. The speaker acknowledges the appeal of such radical action, even admitting that the stories of those who "chucked up everything" leave him "flushed and stirred." This shows a clear envy, highlighting the allure of a life free from obligations.

The Illusion of Authenticity

Another significant theme is the question of authenticity. The speaker initially idealizes the idea of departure, comparing it to exciting, rebellious acts. However, he then begins to dissect the motivation behind such a move, questioning whether it's genuinely liberating or merely a performance. The line "Such a deliberate step backwards / To create an object" suggests that leaving everything behind might be less about freedom and more about crafting a narrative, an image of oneself as a rebel. This reveals a cynical perspective on the performative aspect of radical choices.

The Burden of "Perfect Order"

The theme of self-imprisonment also emerges through the description of the speaker's "life, in perfect order." Ironically, this order, which one might expect to be a source of contentment, is presented as a stifling force. The "specially-chosen junk," "good books," and "good bed" become symbols of a curated existence that feels restrictive rather than fulfilling. The speaker's aversion to this "reprehensibly perfect" life underscores the idea that even self-created comforts can become a form of confinement.

Images of Rebellion and Restraint

The poem employs vivid imagery to convey the contrasting pulls of rebellion and restraint. The phrases "swagger the nut-strewn roads" and "Crouch in the fo'c'sle" evoke a romantic vision of vagrancy and adventure. These images are counterbalanced by the detailed description of the speaker's room, with its carefully selected objects representing order and control. The juxtaposition of these images emphasizes the internal conflict between the desire for freedom and the comfort of the familiar. The comparison to "Then she undid her dress / Or Take that you bastard" uses very sensory language, in opposition to the more restrained imagery, again to highlight the inner conflict.

Concluding Thoughts: The Paradox of Departure

In conclusion, "Poetry of Departures" is a nuanced exploration of the human desire for escape. While the poem initially celebrates the idea of abandoning one's life, it ultimately questions the authenticity and practicality of such a move. Larkin exposes the allure of freedom while simultaneously acknowledging the artificiality that can underlie the pursuit of a radical change. The poem's significance lies in its honest portrayal of the internal conflict between the yearning for liberation and the recognition that true freedom may be more elusive than it seems, and perhaps, even undesirable.