Poem Analysis - Wants

Introduction: The Longing Beneath the Surface

Philip Larkin's "Wants" is a short, melancholic exploration of the human condition, revealing a profound sense of dissatisfaction hidden beneath the surface of everyday life. The poem presents a world where societal structures and prescribed behaviors fail to satisfy the deepest, most primal desires. A pervasive sense of longing and weariness colors the poem, creating an atmosphere of quiet resignation. The repetition of key phrases emphasizes the overwhelming power of these underlying desires, suggesting an inescapable truth about human existence.

Escaping the Crowd: The Theme of Isolation

One of the central themes of "Wants" is the desire for isolation and solitude. The poem opens with the stark declaration, "Beyond all this, the wish to be alone." This line immediately establishes a sense of detachment from the trappings of social life. The poem uses images of social engagement such as "invitation-cards," "printed directions of sex," and the "family is photographed under the flag-staff" to portray a life filled with obligatory social rituals. These images, while seemingly positive, are presented as superficial and ultimately unfulfilling. The repetition of "Beyond all this, the wish to be alone" underscores the speaker's deep-seated need to escape the demands and expectations of society and find solace in solitude.

Chasing Nothingness: The Embrace of Oblivion

Another significant theme in "Wants" is the powerful pull toward oblivion. The second stanza begins with a parallel structure to the first: "Beneath it all, the desire for oblivion runs." Here, the poem delves even deeper into the human psyche, suggesting a yearning for nothingness that lies beneath even the desire for isolation. Images of attempts to stave off mortality, such as "life insurance" and "the costly aversion of the eyes from death," highlight the futility of resisting the inevitable. The poem argues that despite our best efforts to cling to life and meaning, the desire for oblivion persists, a constant reminder of our mortality. This suggests that for Larkin, the fear of death is not as powerful as the weariness of living.

Recurring Motifs: Signals of Dissatisfaction

The poem effectively uses recurring imagery to underscore its themes of isolation and the desire for oblivion. The phrase "Beyond all this" and "Beneath it all" act as symbolic markers, distinguishing the superficial aspects of life from the deeper, more fundamental desires. These phrases suggest that the trappings of modern life are merely a facade, beneath which lie more profound and potentially unsettling truths about human existence. The use of words with negative connotations like "aversion," "dark," and "tensions" further reinforces the sense of unease and dissatisfaction that permeates the poem. These signals constantly remind us that the life we lead is fundamentally unfulfilling.

Concluding Thoughts: The Weight of Existence

"Wants" is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the human condition. Through its stark language, recurring motifs, and melancholic tone, the poem reveals a deep-seated dissatisfaction with modern life and a longing for something beyond the superficial. The constant tension between the desire for connection and the overwhelming pull of isolation and oblivion creates a sense of quiet desperation. Ultimately, the poem leaves us with a sobering reflection on the weight of existence and the elusive nature of true fulfillment. Is this a reflection of a universal experience, or a personal lament, colored by Larkin's own famously pessimistic worldview?