Poem Analysis - Since The Majority Of Me

Introduction: Division and its Discontents

Philip Larkin's "Since The Majority Of Me" explores the painful fracturing of a relationship, not through dramatic conflict, but through a quiet, insidious division of wills. The poem's tone is initially resolute, almost clinical, as it declares the end of debate and the start of separation. However, beneath this surface of certainty, a undercurrent of regret and dissatisfaction emerges, especially in the second half. This shift suggests a deeper unease about the consequences of choosing separation over compromise.

Themes: Isolation, Internal Conflict, and the Illusion of Choice

One primary theme is isolation. The poem details the creation of separate "blocks of days," "unshared friends," and "unwalked ways," all emphasizing a deliberate distancing. This isolation isn't just physical; it's emotional and spiritual. Another central theme is internal conflict. The "majority of me" suggests a struggle within the speaker himself, a battle between conflicting desires or principles. This internal division mirrors the external division in the relationship, hinting that the speaker's own fractured self is a root cause of the separation. Finally, the poem touches upon the illusion of choice. The initial declaration of independence seems empowering, but the poem subtly undermines this. The "silence of minorities" returning "each night" suggests that the discarded aspects of the self (or the relationship) refuse to disappear, hinting that the chosen path may not be as liberating as it initially appeared.

Symbolism: "Blocks of Days" and the "Eloquent" Silence

The image of "new blocks of days" being "disinfected" is particularly striking. The word "disinfected" suggests a desire to cleanse these new days of any lingering influence from the other person or the relationship. However, it also implies that the relationship is seen as something dirty or diseased, which might be an overstatement. These "blocks" could symbolize the rigid, compartmentalized lives the individuals create for themselves after the split, emphasizing the artificiality and sterility of their chosen independence. The "eloquent" silence is a powerful symbol as well. This silence, born of the "minorities" (representing the rejected aspects of self or relationship), speaks volumes. It signifies the persistent yearning, the unspoken regrets, and the fundamental incompleteness that underlies the facade of self-sufficiency.

The Unlearned Lesson: Perpetual Return of Regret

The final two lines, "They want renewed. They never learn," are crucial. The "They" refers to the "silence of minorities," those rejected parts that consistently return seeking reconciliation or renewal. The fact that "they never learn" is deeply pessimistic. It suggests a cycle of rejection and regret that repeats endlessly. Perhaps it’s not that they *can't* learn, but that the "majority" is unwilling to listen or compromise. This repeated return and continual rejection point to a fundamental flaw in the speaker's approach to relationships and self-knowledge. One might ask if the speaker is truly aware of what needs renewing, or if they are simply projecting their own insecurities onto the situation.

Conclusion: A Portrait of Regretful Independence

In conclusion, "Since The Majority Of Me" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of relationships and the human tendency towards self-imposed isolation. While the poem begins with a declaration of independence, it ultimately reveals the hollowness and regret that can accompany such choices. Through vivid imagery and a subtly shifting tone, Larkin paints a portrait of individuals trapped in a cycle of division and unfulfilled longing, suggesting that true fulfillment may require confronting the "minorities" within ourselves and finding a way to bridge the divides that separate us.