Afternoons LO to analyse Larkins cynical portrayal in

Afternoons L/O: to analyse Larkin’s cynical portrayal in the poem Afternoons Explore the connotations of this? Why is it plural – what does this suggest? What do you notice about the first line and final line in the poem – I’ll give you some time to think and then question you on this. Finally, summarise the poem in 20 words. On your tables using these prompts – annotate what you think linked to these ideas (remember this may be in more than one line) • How is nature being explored in the poem and what does it suggest? • How the persona feels in the poem and why? • What specific chores or tasks does the persona have to do? • What they notice about the role of males and females in the poem? • How the italics are used and what does this suggest? What impressions do you get about relationships and why? • How would you describe marriage based on the poem?

Decide which of the context information can link to the poem. Be ready to justify your reasons – I will highlight the ones you should focus on and write down when you feedback. • • • • A modern, contemporary poet Was incredibly insecure In later life was an alcoholic Home schooled Worked as a Cambridge librarian for years Refused the accolade of Poet Laureate as he didn’t believe he was good enough Took a cynical and ironic view on life and explored this through his poetry Commented on the everyday Never married or had children – seeing this as a pointless ambition Lived in Hull and was insular in his lifetime Didn’t like or enjoy materialism and commented widely on this His poem appeared in the Whitsun Weddings poem Was considered a genius poet, but stopped writing later in life Chose to remain as a librarian even when celebrated as a poet Loved Jazz music and used this as an inspiration for his work