"This Be the Verse", by Philip Larkin

[ecoirie]

I would have to say that I'm a bit torn on whether “This Be the Verse” fits the status of great literature. While the theme is universal and can be interpreted in many ways, I believe the shock value of “fuck” could have been used more as a marketing ploy than a literary infusion. Since Larken was considered a serious poet, the use of profanity in the first verse would come as a shock and grab attention to readers outside the usual literary circles. For example, on the wikipedia site, a judge presiding over a divorce case recited this first verse to two waring parents that were emotionally tearing their daughter apart. It's not only the language, but the childish catchy tone involved in the first verse contrasting with the rest of the poem that makes it memorable. Is it the literary structure that this brings to the poem, or is it Larken's way of gaining pop culture noteriety?

Aside from my cynicism, the universal appeal of the poem is unmistakable. As a parent of two young boys, I'm quite aware of how my upbringing effects the way I raise my kids. Our parents, “By fools in old-style hats and coats”, influence our behavior both consciously and unconsciously onto our children. It takes effort to break the negative habits of old without over compensating with the new ones. I also see the term “ soppy-stern” more as societies influence on children with consumerism and unattainable Disney fantasy. As parents, breaking from our past and societies influences takes continual learning, effort. and hard work. I believe “This Be The Verse” provides a blunt reminder of how important this can be.