Essay Questions

How does the author depict the sense of sight to readers at the beginning of the poem?

The stunning account of time moments before the advent of the spring season appeals to readers' sense of sight. For instance, the speaker says that the evenings are lofty, light, and creamy, which prolong days. Consequently, the author tactfully uses the imagery of sight to describe the background, which aids the reader in visualizing the setting of the poem.

Why is the speaker prompting readers that the poem is set between times?

As the poem begins, the speaker notifies readers that the spring season is about to begin. The speaker reminds readers about the setting of the poem to divert their attention to his early days. For instance, in the middle of the poem, the speaker talks about his past, which he considers uninteresting. However, he is now enjoying adulthood. Therefore, the reader links the speaker's happy adulthood to the distinguished spring season.

Why is Larkin so passionate about time in most of his poems?

Larkin emphasizes time to deconstruct the assumption that it is a cycle of life and death. In the poem 'Coming,' the speaker is passionate about spring because it brings new good things and happiness. At the beginning of the poem, the speaker uses stunning descriptions to welcome spring. Therefore, Lark believes that not all seasons are bad because life has phases. For instance, there are times of sorrow and times to rejoice. In summing up, Larkin uses time as a symbol representing hope, giving meaning to life.