Poem Analysis - Wedding Wind

A Wind-Swept Nuptial: Introduction

Philip Larkin's "Wedding Wind" is a reflective and sensual exploration of the early days of marriage. The poem begins with a tempestuous depiction of the wedding night, gradually shifting to a calmer, yet still wind-dominated, morning. The tone oscillates between frustration and profound joy, capturing the complex emotions of a newlywed woman as she grapples with the intrusion of the natural world into her intimate experience. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the overwhelming power of love and its connection to the elemental forces of nature.

Nature's Embrace: The Intertwining of Love and Landscape

One of the central themes of "Wedding Wind" is the intertwining of love and nature. The wind, initially presented as an unwelcome disruption, becomes a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of the speaker's newfound love. The phrase "the night of the high wind" not only describes the weather but also hints at the intensity of her emotions. Later, the image of the wind "hunting through clouds and forests, thrashing / My apron and the hanging cloths on the line" suggests that love, like the wind, permeates every aspect of her life. The speaker's world, both internal and external, is shaped and defined by this powerful force.

Beyond Domesticity: Yearning for Transcendence

Another important theme is the speaker's yearning for transcendence beyond the confines of domesticity. While the poem is rooted in everyday activities – shutting stable doors, fetching water for chickens – it also hints at a desire for something more profound. The speaker asks, "Shall I be let to sleep / Now this perpetual morning shares my bed?" This question suggests a longing for respite from the constant stimulation and excitement of her new love, a desire to integrate this intensity into her everyday existence. The concluding lines, with their imagery of "new delighted lakes" and "kneeling as cattle by all-generous waters," evoke a sense of spiritual awakening and a deep connection to the life-giving forces of nature.

Symbols in the Storm: Candlesticks, Water and Animals

The poem employs several recurring symbols to enhance its message. The "twisted candlestick," for instance, serves as a visual representation of the speaker's confused and slightly disoriented state on her wedding night. It is both beautiful and distorted, reflecting the complex emotions she experiences. Water, particularly in the final stanza, becomes a symbol of abundance and life-giving love. The "new delighted lakes" suggest the overflowing nature of her happiness, while the image of "kneeling as cattle by all-generous waters" evokes a sense of humble gratitude and dependence on a source of sustenance. The restless horses serve to introduce the theme of disturbance and interruption; the natural world refuses to be silenced or excluded, even on such a personal and intimate occasion.

A Love Both Grounding and Limitless: Conclusion

In conclusion, "Wedding Wind" is a richly evocative poem that explores the multifaceted experience of early marriage. Larkin masterfully uses the natural world, particularly the pervasive presence of the wind, to symbolize the overwhelming power of love and its ability to transform everyday life. The poem captures both the anxieties and the joys of this transition, revealing a speaker who is both grounded in domesticity and yearning for something more profound. Ultimately, "Wedding Wind" suggests that love, like the wind, is a force that shapes us, connects us to the world around us, and offers the potential for both turbulence and transcendence.