Dystopie Philipa Larkina
Philip Larkin’s Dystopias

Summary/Abstract: This essay sets out to examine the problem of dystopia in the poetry of Philip Larkin. It may seem at first that his poetry is rather remotely related to dystopia, especially if we define it as a highly pessimistic narrative, which predicts and depicts the catastrophic state of mankind in the future. However, upon adoption of a slightly more comprehensive definition of dystopia, which defines it as a work of literature describing the subjective feeling of being in a “bad place”, Larkin’s poetry immediately reveals its dystopian dimension. For Larkin, this “bad place” is life itself with its irremediable finitude and inherent imperfection. That is why the bulk of his poetry is profoundly pessimistic. At the same time, Larkin knows that such constant awareness of ultimate pointlessness of life is an impossibility, and people must rely on certain analgesics, whose goal is to make life at least temporarily bearable. Two such pain-relieving strategies analysed in this essay include an effort to forge an intimate relationship with another person, and seeking solace in narratives of religion.

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