Poem Analysis - Wires

A Stark Lesson in Limitation

Philip Larkin's "Wires" presents a bleak and rather cynical view of freedom and its limitations. The poem, seemingly simple on the surface, uses the image of electric fences and cattle to explore the loss of innocence and the harsh reality of boundaries. The tone is initially observational, but it quickly shifts to a more brutal and uncompromising depiction of the consequences of straying beyond those boundaries. There's a sense of resignation and a lack of sentimentality throughout the poem, suggesting a world where youthful idealism is quickly and painfully extinguished.

The Crushing of Innocence and Freedom

One of the central themes of "Wires" is the loss of innocence. The "young steers," driven by a naive desire for "purer water" beyond the fence, represent youthful idealism and a yearning for something more. This desire is innocent enough, but the poem suggests that such innocence is dangerous in a world governed by harsh restrictions. The image of the "muscle-shredding violence" of the wires starkly contrasts with the steers' initial innocent quest, highlighting the brutal reality that awaits those who challenge the established order. Their transformation into "old cattle" implies a permanent loss of that youthful spirit and a forced acceptance of the limited scope of their existence. The theme of restricted freedom is presented through the image of electric fences, which create both physical and psychological boundaries for the cattle. While the "widest prairies" might suggest vast open spaces, the presence of the fences underscores the fact that freedom is always contained and controlled. The phrase "electric limits to their widest senses" is particularly poignant, suggesting that the boundaries imposed are not just physical but also affect the way the cattle perceive the world.

Boundaries: Physical and Existential

The wires themselves function as a powerful symbol of limitation and control. They represent the societal constraints, rules, and expectations that curb individual freedom and shape behavior. They are not merely physical barriers, but also symbolic of the psychological barriers that people erect for themselves, or that are imposed upon them by others. The violence of the wires serves as a deterrent, a brutal lesson that reinforces the importance of staying within the established boundaries. The “purer water” becomes a symbol of aspiration and is juxtaposed with the dangerous reality of acting on that aspiration. The poem suggests that this ideal is unattainable, and pursuing it will only lead to pain and disillusionment. Is it possible to reconcile ambition with contentment when faced with insurmountable obstacles?

Brutality and the End of Aspiration

The image of the "muscle-shredding violence" is particularly striking and contributes to the poem's overall sense of grim realism. The visceral language used emphasizes the pain and shock that the young steers experience upon encountering the wires. This is not a gentle correction, but a violent and traumatic event that permanently alters their perception of the world. The use of such brutal imagery suggests that the consequences of challenging established boundaries can be severe and unforgiving.

Acceptance and Resignation

In conclusion, "Wires" is a stark and unsentimental exploration of the limitations of freedom and the loss of innocence. Through the image of electric fences and cattle, Larkin paints a picture of a world where youthful idealism is quickly crushed by harsh reality. The poem's cynical tone and brutal imagery suggest that acceptance and resignation are the inevitable outcomes of encountering these boundaries. The poem ultimately questions the nature of freedom and the price of straying beyond the established limits, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and a sobering reflection on the constraints that shape our lives.