AFTERNOONS

• Did Philip Larkin ever marry or have children?

  No, Philip Larkin never married and he never had kids.
• What themes does Philip Larkin explore in his writing?

  He wrote about ordinary life and what he observed.
• When did Philip Larkin write the poem "Afternoons"?

  He wrote "Afternoons" when he was in his mid-30s.
• In what year was "Afternoons" written?

  "Afternoons" was written in 1959.
• What societal norms does "Afternoons" reflect?

  The poem is based on stereotypical gender norms.
• What is the central theme of the poem "Afternoons"?

  • Melancholy portrait of families at a playground
  • Focus on young women transitioning from romantic years to parenting
• What does the first line "Summer is fading" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes the end of life and hope.
• What literary device is used in the phrase "At swing and sandpit"?

  Alliteration is used to emphasize joy and happiness.
• What do the end stops in the line "To the side of their own lives" signify?

  They signify the end of joy.
• How many lines does each stanza of "Afternoons" consist of?

  Each stanza consists of eight lines.
• What does the imagery in "In the hollows of afternoons" convey?

  It emphasizes isolation and emptiness.
• What does the negative nature imagery in "Is ruining their courting-places" suggest?

  It suggests that Larkin believes love is overrated.
• What does the quote "The leaves fall in ones and twos" signify?

  It signifies a slow process and shows that nature has couples and singles.
• What does the phrase "Young mothers assemble" reveal about Larkin's perspective?


  It shows that Larkin is an outsider and highlights his age and unconventional way of living.
• What does the line "Behind them, at intervals," imply about couples in the poem?

  It implies that couples are not really together and that husbands aren't really involved.
• What does the quote "An estateful of washing" convey about motherhood?

  It conveys that motherhood is busy and stressful.
• What does the phrase "Finding more unripe acorns" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes hope for the future.
• What does the line "Something is pushing them" suggest about societal expectations?

  It suggests that society is pushing them and that they have many expectations, forcing them to grow up quickly.