Phillip Larkin - Context

Secularisation Definition

Fewer people attending church.

Why might marriage influenced Larkin's writing?

Because he never got married, despite having many relationships.

Who is Winifred Arnott?

A woman who Larkin was in a relationship and she influenced many of his poems.

How did Larkin and Winifred Arnott know each other?

They both worked in the same university library.

Which grammar school did Larkin attend?

Coventry Boy's Grammar School.

Which college did Larkin attend?

St.John's College Oxford

Larkin's opinion on women.

"the whole business of sex annoys me. As far as I can see, all women are stupid beings."

Which family member may have influenced Larkin's misogynistic views?

His father.

How did Larkin describe his childhood?

As being uneventful.

Where was Larkin born and raised?

Coventry

What is Larkin's father's name?

Sydney Larkin

What was Sydney Larkin's job?

He was the Coventry city treasurer.

Who was Sydney Larkin friends with?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sydney Larkin - Nazi supporter.

Larkin's father was a closet Nazi.
He decorated his work office with Nazi memorabilia right up to 1939.

How did Larkin's mother and father differ in personality?

His mother was submissive whereas his father had a dominant personality.

How did Larkin describe his childhood home? (quote)

"a very gloomy house, an unhappy place"

Why did Larkin never return to Coventry?

He has no sentimental value attached to Coventry, and has no sense of belonging.

During the poem 'I Remember, I Remember', which poet does Larkin comically echo?

Thomas Hood and his poem, 'I Remember'

Who is Thomas Hood?

A Victorian writer.

What does Thomas Hood's poem 'I Remember' discuss?

The joys of childhood and how wonderful it was.