And That Will Be England Gone

In the era after the Second World War,various subversive changes took place in Britain.With the gradual independence of the colonies came the fall of the British Empire.In face of the overwhelming social and economic changes and the huge impact of globalization,the consciousness of the English people underwent a return to the traditional to seek solace in the past.Twentieth century British poet Philip Larkin's works with much nostalgia presents the traditional English life altered by modernization.The traditional pastoral imagination in Larkin's works exhibits his memory of a golden past.As a poet who sheds light on the commonplaces and everyday beauties,Philip Larkin renders a truthful depiction of postwar England by writing about the ordinary and minimal changes,through which he exhibits his attachment to the peaceful past,his resistance to the withering of things typically English,as well as his concern for the uncertain future in a time of unfamiliarity.The thesis discusses how Larkin recognizes and interprets the country as it enters a new historical phase through his concerned writing of the disappearing English life.The first chapter discusses Larkin's writing of the changes after the wars.As things typically English are marred by modern development,Larkin notices the changes to be both social and psychological;people face not only awkward social interaction,but barren spiritual world.The second chapter is about Larkin's observation of English countryside.Compared with the fragile,volatile human world,natural things are more resilient and long-lasting;English countryside and natural landscape are manifestations of a traditional England due to the geographic remoteness,and yet they co-exist with modern,industrial artefacts.The third chapter dwells on the interpretation of Larkin's writing of cities,which forms a contrast with the previous chapter:while the countryside reflects the image of the past,cities reflect a bleak reality.In Larkin's depiction of cities,the neglected places,incidents and people exhibit the predicament when the traditional way of life vanishes in the process of postwar modernization.Meanwhile,the sense of familiarity and intimacy in city life hold the memory of an England in the old days.Larkin records the changes with a consciousness to preserve.Despite the harshness and cynicism,what underlies the resistance to changes is Larkin's celebration of life.In face of the rapid development,the pastoral visions in the poetry constitute his sincere regards for the old England.