Poem Analysis - To Put One Brick Upon Another

Introduction: The Paradox of Action and Inaction

Philip Larkin’s "To Put One Brick Upon Another" presents a concise yet profound meditation on the nature of work and purpose. The poem contrasts the mindless activity of continuous labor with the paralysis of overthinking. Its tone is initially observational, almost detached, but it shifts to a more contemplative and perhaps slightly cynical perspective as it delves into the consequences of inaction. The poem's strength lies in its simple language and the clear dichotomy it establishes between two opposing approaches to life.

The Theme of Purpose and Meaninglessness

One of the central themes of the poem is the search for purpose and the potential for meaninglessness in both action and inaction. The first stanza depicts a state of unthinking productivity: "To put one brick upon another,/ Add a third and then a forth." This relentless building, however, "Leaves no time to wonder whether/ What you do has any worth." The poem suggests that constant activity, while it may produce tangible results, can also lead to a profound sense of emptiness if it is not accompanied by reflection or a sense of purpose. The act of building becomes a metaphor for a life lived without questioning its underlying meaning.

The Isolation of Reflection

In stark contrast to the busyness of the first stanza, the second stanza introduces the theme of isolation that can arise from excessive reflection. The image of "sit[ting] with bricks around you/ While the winds of heaven bawl" creates a sense of being surrounded by the potential for action but unable to act. The "winds of heaven" could symbolize external pressures or existential anxieties that contribute to the paralysis. This prolonged contemplation – "Weighing what you should or can do" – ultimately "Leaves no doubt of it at all," implying a negative outcome, perhaps the realization of one's own limitations or the futility of action.

Bricks as Symbols of Potential and Burden

The recurring image of "bricks" functions as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. Initially, bricks represent the building blocks of a productive life, symbols of potential and progress. However, in the second stanza, the bricks surrounding the speaker become a burden, representing the weight of unfulfilled potential and the constraints of choice. They transform from active tools to passive obstacles. This duality highlights the complex relationship between potential and its realization, suggesting that the mere presence of opportunity is not enough to guarantee meaningful action. Perhaps they are also symbolic of the expectations of life itself, and society and how they weigh upon the speaker in the poem.

Conclusion: The Ambiguity of Choice

In conclusion, "To Put One Brick Upon Another" explores the paradox of human existence, caught between the potential meaninglessness of unthinking action and the isolating paralysis of overthinking. Larkin doesn't offer a simple solution or preference for one approach over the other. Instead, the poem acknowledges the inherent difficulties in finding meaning and purpose in a world that often demands either relentless productivity or crippling self-doubt. The poem’s significance lies in its stark portrayal of this dilemma, leaving the reader to ponder the balance between action and reflection in their own lives, and to consider the weight and value of their own "bricks." The poem ultimately makes you think about what is more important, that action provides purpose or that action without purpose is meaningless.