Influencing Philip Larkin
There are traces of Wilfred Owen’s influence on Philip Larkin in the ways he approaches his subject matter and technique. In many ways, Larkin reflects Owen’s penchant for observing life and how it unfolds. They both touch on the subject of the political reality of England during their lives. However, there are instances that Larkin also stylizes his poetry in the manner of Owen. For example, if we analyze Larkin’s poem “Deceptions,” he begins with a quote. Owen himself included quotes in his poetry such as in his poem “Dulce Et Decorum Est.” While Larkin’s poems reflect his time and his own personality we can see Owen and, to a minor degree, Rupert Brooke’s influences on Larkin.
Larkin indulges in the past and memories from the vantage point of time. In this case, we can see how he is influenced by Owen. We can trace the vivid and graphic historic pictures each poet traces with his words. Owen writes in “Ducle Et Decorum Est,” “In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, / He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.” The words give rise to the tension between life and death and the closeness of it during the war. They also help the reader see the speaker’s perception of memories and his internal struggle. Larkin similarly…
