Toads by Philip Larkin

 

Toads

Why should I let the toad work
Squat on my life?
Can't I use my wit as a pitchfork
And drive the brute off?

Six days of the week it soils
With its sickening poison -
Just for paying a few bills!
That's out of proportion.

Lots of folk live on their wits:
Lecturers, lispers,
Losers, loblolly-men, louts-
They don't end as paupers;

Lots of folk live up lanes
With fires in a bucket,
Eat windfalls and tinned sardines-
They seem to like it.

Their nippers have got bare feet,
Their unspeakable wives
Are skinny as whippets - and yet
No one actually _starves_.

Ah, were I courageous enough
To shout, Stuff your pension!
But I know, all too well, that's the stuff
That dreams are made on:

For something sufficiently toad-like
Squats in me, too;
Its hunkers are heavy as hard luck,
And cold as snow,

And will never allow me to blarney
My way of getting
The fame and the girl and the money
All at one sitting.

I don't say, one bodies the other
One's spiritual truth;
But I do say it's hard to lose either,
When you have both.

Critical Analysis of "Toads" by Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin's poem "Toads" is a powerful meditation on the mundane realities of work, the existential burden of responsibility, and the complex emotions tied to societal expectations. Written in 1954, the poem reflects Larkin's characteristic cynicism, wit, and deep engagement with themes of alienation and disillusionment.

Summary

The poem is a monologue where the speaker laments the oppressive nature of work, personified through the metaphor of "toads." The first toad represents the burdensome obligations of daily life—particularly the grind of employment and the loss of personal freedom. The second toad, which appears later, is a subtler, more insidious force: the internalized pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, especially regarding the pursuit of success and material wealth.

Themes

1. The Burden of Work:
   The poem critiques the notion that work is inherently noble or fulfilling. Larkin’s speaker expresses frustration with the idea that labor is a necessary evil, yet it dominates life to the extent that it becomes almost unescapable.

2. Conformity and Societal Expectations:
   The toads symbolize the societal pressures that compel individuals to conform. The speaker feels trapped between the desire for personal freedom and the obligations imposed by society, embodied by the “toads” that "squat" on his life.

3. Disillusionment and Cynicism:
   Larkin’s tone is both bitter and humorous. He mocks the glorification of hard work, acknowledging that while it may lead to security, it often comes at the cost of personal fulfillment and happiness.

4. Escape and Resistance:
   The speaker contemplates the possibility of escape—perhaps through a life of carefree indulgence or even through rebellion against the "toads." Yet, there’s an underlying resignation; the speaker recognizes that true freedom is elusive.

Structure and Form

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Larkin to maintain a conversational, reflective tone. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme mirrors the chaotic, unstructured nature of modern life and work. The rhythmic flow, however, suggests a natural cadence, almost like the speaker’s unfiltered thoughts spilling onto the page.

Imagery and Language

Larkin’s use of imagery is both vivid and grotesque. The "toads" are not just literal creatures but metaphors for the oppressive forces in life. The description of the toads as "squat" and "ugly" emphasizes their grotesque, suffocating presence. The contrast between the "toads" and the potential for a freer, more fulfilling life adds depth to the poem’s tension.

Philosophical Undertones

At its core, "Toads" is a philosophical reflection on the human condition. Larkin seems to question whether the pursuit of material success and societal approval is worth the cost of personal freedom and authenticity. The poem aligns with existentialist themes, as the speaker grapples with the inherent absurdity of life’s demands.

Conclusion

Toads is a quintessential Larkin poem, marked by its dark humor, sharp social critique, and existential anxiety. It resonates because it captures a universal struggle: the tension between duty and desire, between societal expectations and personal freedom. Through the grotesque metaphor of toads, Larkin exposes the uncomfortable truths about work, conformity, and the human condition, challenging readers to reconsider what truly defines a meaningful life.

Literary Devices, Aunt Jennifer's Tigers

 

Aunt jennifer’s tigers

By

Adrienne rich

1. Imagery:

Rich’s use of vivid imagery helps create strong visual contrasts between Aunt Jennifer’s reality and the world of the tigers she embroiders. The imagery of the tigers contrasts their freedom and vitality with Aunt Jennifer’s oppressive, tired existence.

• The tigers are described as “proud and unafraid,” “bright,” and “swift.” These images evoke a sense of power, confidence, and unbounded freedom. They symbolize qualities that Aunt Jennifer desires but cannot embody due to her confined life.

2. Symbolism:

Several symbols in the poem deepen its meanings and highlight the themes of gender oppression and personal confinement:

• The tigers symbolize freedom, strength, and independence. They are full of life, unafraid of anything. Their fierceness and vitality contrast sharply with Aunt Jennifer’s life, suggesting that while Aunt Jennifer cannot live as she wishes, she can imagine and create freedom through her art.
• The wedding band symbolizes the oppression and confinement Aunt Jennifer experiences in her marriage. The “massive weight” of the wedding band suggests the burden placed upon her by her husband and, more broadly, by societal norms. The ring’s weight is both literal and metaphorical, representing the emotional and physical constraints of her marriage and her role as a wife in a patriarchal society.
• Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery serves as a form of escape for her. It allows her to express her desire for strength and vitality through the tigers, but it also highlights the irony that her art is one of the few ways she can exercise freedom—albeit in a limited and confined way.

3. Alliteration:

Rich employs alliteration to emphasize the rhythmic flow of the poem and highlight key ideas:

• “Fingers flutter”

4. Metaphor:

• The wedding band is not just something physical but also a metaphor for Aunt Jennifer’s emotional and social imprisonment. It represents the constraints of her marriage and the patriarchal structure that governs her life. The “massive weight” of the wedding band suggests that it is not only physically heavy but also represents the psychological burden of societal expectations and traditional gender roles.

6. Rhyme and Structure:

The poem is written in three stanzas with a regular rhyme scheme (ABCB), which gives the poem a sense of regularity and formality. This formal structure mirrors the societal structures that confine Aunt Jennifer, reflecting the rigidity of her life. Despite the regularity, the content of the poem speaks to the discord between her outward life and her inner world, underscoring the tension between the constraints of her existence and the freedom she imagines through her art.

7. Irony:

The poem’s ending is marked by an ironic twist. While Aunt Jennifer is unable to escape the constraints of her life during her lifetime, the poem suggests that the tigers she embroiders will live on after her death, perhaps embodying the freedom she could not achieve. The final lines, “When Aunt Jennifer is dead, / Her terrified hands will lie / Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by,” create an ironic contrast between the tigers’ eternal vitality and Aunt Jennifer’s death and stagnation.

8.         Transferred Epithet:

It is used to create deeper emotional impact, add poetic complexity to the description and enhance visual imagery. E.g. “terrified hands”

9.         Synecdoche:

It is used to simplify, focus or intensify the meaning by creating symbolism and evoking imagery.

A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost, Literary Devices

 

A roadside stand

By

Robert frost

1. Imagery – Frost uses vivid sensory details to help readers visualize the scene, such as "crook-necked golden squash with silver warts" and "The day is like a jewel." This creates a strong visual impression of the rural setting.
2. Personification – The roadside stand is personified when it is described as "pathetically pled" suggesting that it is alive and requesting the passers-by. Additionally, the "voice" of the people who set up the stand is implied in the poem.
3. Metaphor – The roadside stand itself can be seen as a metaphor for the hopes and struggles of rural people. It represents both their labour and their desire for connection with the passing world.
4. Alliteration – Frost uses the repetition of consonant sounds to create musicality and emphasis in lines like "pathetically pled" “greedy good-doers” “beneficent beast” etc.
5. Irony – There is a sense of irony throughout the poem. The people running the roadside stand hope to attract customers, but they are largely ignored, despite their effort and need. There’s also irony in the juxtaposition of rural beauty and economic hardship.
6. Symbolism – The roadside stand is a symbol of rural life and the simple, often unnoticed existence of people in the countryside. It also symbolizes the disconnection between rural and urban societies.
7. Juxtaposition – Frost juxtaposes the quiet, humble lives of the rural folk with the bustling, indifferent lives of city dwellers. This contrast highlights the disparity between the two worlds.
8. Tone – The tone of the poem shifts between wistfulness and frustration, as the speaker reflects on the unacknowledged labour of rural people and their unmet desires.
9. Allusion – The poem alludes to the broader societal and economic issues faced by rural people, especially in terms of their lack of recognition or appreciation by the urban world.
10. Colloquial Language – Frost often uses conversational and informal language, reflecting the rural setting and the down-to-earth characters of the poem.

A Thing of Beauty by John Keats, Literary Devices

 

A Thing of beauty

By

John keats

1.      Imagery – Keats uses vivid sensory images to evoke beauty and appeal to the reader’s senses. For example, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" is an image that connects beauty with lasting joy. The entire poem is filled with lush, descriptive imagery to paint pictures of beauty in nature.

2.      Metaphor – The central metaphor in the poem is that "a thing of beauty is a joy forever." This suggests that beauty transcends time and remains an eternal source of happiness.

3.      Alliteration – Keats uses the repetition of consonant sounds, such as "noble" and "nature" to create a musical effect. For instance, "That for themselves a cooling covert make.”

4.      Anaphora – The repetition of phrases at the beginning of successive lines, as seen in "…Of the inhuman dearth of noble natures, of the gloomy days" helps emphasize the central theme of the poem.

5.      Oxymoron – The poet uses oxymorons like "mighty dead" to express contradictory ideas that coexist.

6.      Assonance – There is a repetition of vowel sounds within lines that creates rhythm, such as in "its loveliness increases".

7.      Symbolism – Many elements in the poem, such as "the sun," "the moon," and "flowers," symbolize beauty, nature, and the sustaining power of art or beauty in life.

8.      Rhyme Scheme – The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme (ABABCC), contributing to its musicality and helping reinforce the idea of harmony in the beauty described.

Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda (Literary Devices)

 

Keeping Quiet

By

Pablo Neruda

1. Imagery:

Neruda uses vivid imagery to evoke sensory experiences and to highlight his message. The "huge silence" is a powerful image that represents peace and introspection. Similarly, the imagery of earth conveys the idea of activity and continuity in apparent stillness.

2. Metaphor:

Neruda uses metaphors to communicate abstract ideas. For example, he uses “cold sea” to convey the idea of an indifferent world i.e. the world devoid of any fellow feeling. “Clean clothes” convey the idea of avoiding bloodshed and following peace, “in the shade” means realizing the importance of concord and peace. “On the face of this earth” means in this world or in our existence.

3. Personification:

Personification occurs when Neruda gives human qualities to abstract concepts or inanimate objects. For example, the "sadness" in the poem is described as something that could be interrupted by silence, as if sadness could be a living entity that can be impacted by a change in behaviour.

"Perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves."

Similarly the earth has been personified in “Perhaps, the earth can teach us.”

4. Alliteration:

Neruda uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis, particularly when stressing the idea of quiet and stillness.

“let’s stop for one second”

"We would all be together in a sudden strangeness."

The repetition of the "s" sound helps evoke a sense of calmness and silence.

5. Juxtaposition:

The poet contrasts the stillness with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Neruda urges readers to stop their usual activities and “keep still,” which is in sharp contrast to the usual noise and activity of human existence.

This contrast between the usual noise and the sudden silence underscores the importance of introspection and unity.

6. Repetition:

Repetition is used effectively in the poem to stress the importance of stopping and reflecting. The phrase “let’s not” is repeated to emphasize the collective action of ceasing movement and speech.

“Without rush, without engines”

This repetition builds the idea that everyone should stop, pause, and reflect together.

7. Symbolism:

The concept of keeping quiet is a symbolic representation of peace, contemplation, and the idea of stopping to understand ourselves and our actions more deeply.

8. Anaphora:

When the first word of a poetic line/phrase/clause is repeated in a consecutive manner, it is called anaphora. For example:

“Let’s not speak in any language,

 Let’s stop for one second, “

Literary Devices, My Mother at Sixty Six by Kamala Das

 

Literary Devices

MY Mother at sixty six

By

Kamala das

1. Imagery

Kamala Das uses vivid imagery to evoke strong visual and emotional responses. The image of her mother "dozing" in the car with "her face / ashen like that of a corpse" captures the vulnerability and fragility of her mother as she nears the end of her life.

• Example: “her face / ashen like that of a corpse”, “she was as old as she looked”, “young trees sprinting”, “Merry children spilling out of their homes” etc.

*    Imagery is an umbrella term which includes several other literary devices in it.

2. Simile

The simile “her face / ashen like that of a corpse” compares the mother’s face to a lifeless body, conveying the inevitability of death and the physical decline that comes with old age. The use of "ashen" emphasizes the pale, lifeless quality of her mother’s skin.

• Example: "her face / ashen like that of a corpse." “wan, pale as late winter’s moon.”

3. Metaphor

The energy of the children is compared with the spilling of beans.

• Example: “merry children spilling out of their homes.”

4. Personification

The trees have been given the humanly quality of running.

• Example: "young trees sprinting."

5. Alliteration

Kamala Das uses alliteration in several parts of the poem, particularly with the repetition of consonant sounds. This adds to the flow and musicality of the poem.

·         Example: “See you soon, Amma” (Das, lines 2-3).

6. Symbolism

Kamala Das uses the mother's face and her "ashen" complexion as symbols of the inevitable process of aging and death. The "ashen" face serves as a symbol of the end of life, and the car journey symbolizes the passage of time. The poet’s gaze at her mother, full of fear, symbolizes the emotional realization of the finiteness of life.

7. Enjambment

The use of enjambment (where a sentence or thought runs over from one line to the next without a pause) in the poem helps create a sense of continuity and flow. This mirrors the unbroken passage of time and the continuous nature of the speaker’s emotional journey.

• Example: "But soon / put that thought away." (Das, lines 14-15) — the thought of death is put away, but it lingers, just as the lines continue without a pause.

8. Tone

The tone of the poem is wistful, melancholic, and reflective. The speaker is filled with sorrow as she contemplates the fragility of life and her mother’s aging, but there is also an undercurrent of acceptance, especially in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker begins to emotionally distance herself from her fears.

• Example: “I saw my mother, / beside me, / dozing.” The tone here is one of observation and realization.

9. Irony

There is a subtle irony in the poem in the speaker’s desire to keep her mother safe from the inevitable passage of time. Despite her desire to protect her mother, time and mortality are unavoidable.

• Example: “I saw my mother, / beside me, / dozing.” This moment of peace contrasts sharply with the underlying awareness of the inevitable passage of time.