Choose a poem where the poet starts off by describing

and everyday happening or incident and then goes on to

make a more serious point about human nature by the
end of the poem.
Briefly describe the starting point of the poem and state
what you think is the serious point at the end. Now go on
to show how the poet’s use of poetic techniques deepens
your understanding of the poem.

‘Afternoons’ by Phillip Larkin describes mothers looking

after their children – and at the same time looking back on
their childhood memories, realising that they are growing
old now. The everyday happening in this poem is the
young mothers taking their children to the park and
watching them play. Then as time progresses a more
serious point of ageing and time passing is clear to see.
This is also suggested by the title as ‘Afternoons’ is later in
the day and as time progresses the day will become duller
– like a mothers life.

The idea of time passing is clear from the start of the

poem in the opening lines –
“Summer is fading
The leaves fall in ones and twos”
The words ‘Fading’ and ‘Fall’ are used to show that nature
is changing – time is passing.