Poem Analysis - This Is The First Thing

A Stark Revelation

Philip Larkin's "This Is The First Thing" is a short, sharp statement about time and its relentless progression towards an inevitable end. The poem carries a somber and somewhat resigned tone, offering a stark realization about the nature of existence. There are no shifts in mood; the poem maintains a consistent atmosphere of melancholy acceptance.

The Echo of Inevitability

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is mortality. The image of the axe suggests violence and destruction, and its echo implies that this destructive force continues to reverberate, never truly ceasing. This echoes the idea that death is not a one-time event, but rather a continuing consequence of time itself. Each moment, like the swing of an axe, contributes to the ultimate demise. The poem also touches on the theme of understanding. The opening line indicates an initial insight, a sudden awareness of a fundamental truth about life. This newfound understanding, however, is not comforting or uplifting, but rather a bleak acknowledgment of time's destructive power.

The Axe and the Wood: Symbols of Destruction and Life

The central image of the poem, the axe and the wood, are potent symbols. The axe represents the force of time, which is powerful and destructive, capable of felling even the most resilient things. The wood, on the other hand, can be seen as representing life itself, a vibrant and complex ecosystem that is nevertheless vulnerable to the axe's blow. The echo further emphasizes the lasting impact of time. It suggests that even after the initial act of destruction, the consequences continue to resonate, shaping and altering the landscape.

Silence After the Fall

The choice of the word "echo" is crucial. Echoes fade, but they persist for a time after the initial sound. This can be interpreted as the lingering effects of actions and events, or perhaps even the memory of life after death. The silence that eventually follows the echo, however, is perhaps the most telling element. What remains once the sound disappears and the wood is felled? The poem offers no answer, but the question lingers, adding to its somber weight.

A Final, Unsettling Truth

In conclusion, "This Is The First Thing" is a concise and powerful meditation on time and mortality. Through its vivid imagery of the axe and the wood, and the haunting echo, Larkin presents a bleak but undeniable truth about the nature of existence. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture a profound sense of foreboding and resignation in just a few, carefully chosen words, leaving the reader to contemplate the enduring power of time and its ultimate impact on all things.