The Whitsun Weddings

By Philip Larkin,

Book cover of The Whitsun Weddings

Book description

Philip Larkin (1922-1985) remains England's best-loved poet - a writer matchlessly capable of evoking his native land and of touching all readers from the most sophisticated intellectual to the proverbial common reader. The late John Betjeman observed that 'this tenderly observant poet writes clearly, rhythmically, and thoughtfully about what all…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Whitsun Weddings as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

"Dockery and Son" is one of the most moving poems of the last century. Returning to Oxford reminds Larkin of his undergraduate years, and he meditates on how his life differs from that of someone he vaguely knew there.

It turns out that Dockery had a child as an undergraduate while Larkin himself never married. This prompts a poignant meditation on the divergent paths people take in life and how each of us enriches or dilutes his or her “I.” 

From Kevin's list on finding yourself.

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