Philip Larkin, one of the most prominent English poets of the 20th
century, is known for his contemplative and often pessimistic reflections on
various aspects of life. Two of his notable poems, "Church Going" and
"MCMXIV," touch upon major themes that are prevalent throughout his
body of work.
In "Church Going," Larkin explores the theme of the loss of
religious faith and the declining significance of religion in the modern world.
The poem begins with the speaker entering an empty church out of curiosity. He
wanders through the building, observing its architecture, religious artifacts,
and the absence of worshippers. Larkin captures the dwindling attendance and
the speaker's own skepticism about the purpose and future of such places of
worship. He muses on the waning influence of religion and questions its
relevance in contemporary society. Larkin's portrayal of the church as a relic
of the past reflects his contemplation of the erosion of faith in an increasingly
secular world.
Similarly, "MCMXIV" (1914 in Roman numerals) explores themes
of nostalgia and loss, particularly in the context of World War I. The poem
reflects upon the innocent pre-war era and contrasts it with the brutal
realities of the conflict. Larkin vividly describes the lives of ordinary
people before they were affected by the war's devastation. Through his
depiction of streets, shops, and people going about their daily lives, he
creates a vivid image of a peaceful and simpler time. However, the poem takes a
darker turn as Larkin introduces the war memorial, highlighting the loss of
innocence and the irreversible changes brought about by the conflict. The poem
ultimately captures a sense of nostalgia for a lost world and mourns the loss
of lives and the shattered illusions of the past.
Another recurring theme in Larkin's poetry, evident in both
"Church Going" and "MCMXIV," is the contemplation of time
and mortality. In "Church Going," the speaker reflects on the
transient nature of human existence compared to the enduring presence of the
church. The poem suggests that while individuals may come and go, the church
stands as a symbol of continuity and permanence. This theme is echoed in
"MCMXIV" as well, as Larkin juxtaposes the idealized past with the
reality of the present. The poem highlights the passage of time and its impact
on society, conveying a sense of loss and the inevitability of change. Larkin
often uses imagery of decay and decline to underscore the fleeting nature of
life and the ultimate futility of human endeavors.
Moreover, Larkin's poetry often contains a social and cultural
critique. In "Church Going," he critiques the loss of religious faith
and questions the relevance of organized religion in a modern and secular
society. The poem presents the church as a relic of the past, serving as a
commentary on the erosion of traditional beliefs and the changing values of
contemporary society. Similarly, "MCMXIV" offers a critical
perspective on the impact of war. Larkin portrays the war as a rupture in
history, disrupting the idealized world of the past and exposing the harsh
realities of conflict. The poem reflects on the loss of innocence, the
destruction of societal structures, and the disintegration of traditional
values, offering a poignant critique of the human condition.
In summary, "Church Going" and "MCMXIV" encapsulate
several major themes present in Philip Larkin's poetry. These themes include
the loss of religious faith, nostalgia and loss, the contemplation of time and
mortality, and social and cultural critique. Through his introspective and
often somber reflections, Larkin explores the complexities of human existence,
the changing nature of society, and the challenges of finding meaning and
purpose in a rapidly evolving world.
