Week 1
Part 1, Reflection: Thinking about literature, and having read Larkin's "This Be the Verse," do you think the poem fits some criteria for "great literature"? For example, do you think Larkin is dealing with a universal theme?
The criteria for "great literature" seems to revolve around the classics such as The Odyssey, The Ulysses, Shakespeare and other works written that are mainstream and popular among well esteemed scholars and writers. "This Be the Verse," written by Philip Larkin fits the popular mainstream idea. According to wikipedia many people quote Larkin's poem without even knowing it, as well, many people have memorized its easy to remember words. Although this poem was written in the seventies, a time much different than today, the general theme that Larkin is trying to express appeals to many people today as it did in the past. The idea that parents inevitably screw their kids up in some way is shown in Larkin's poem and this idea can be seen through generations in the past and current generations. The influence that parents have on children, although mostly with good intentions have the potential to have emotional and physical repercussions on the children. This proves that Larkin's theme is universal; something that people can relate to, find humour and seriousness alike. This is great literature. Enjoyable not only as a story but as a universal relation.
Part 2, Reading ahead: Next week, we will be talking about theme. You will need to read Headrick's chapter on theme along with "Simple Recipes." How does this story deepen and complicate the theme of Larkin's poem?
The story "Simple Recipes" by Madeleine Thein, mimics Larkin's poem with the idea that the way parents have grown up affect the way their children will grow up. The experiences and mistakes that a person makes in a lifetime are all contributed by how they were raised and will contribute to the next generation as well. In most cases, a parents wants what is best for their child. However, Thein shows in her story that a child cannot perceive and understand complex decisions because of their naivety. Situations like the one that occurred to the brother in "Simple Recipes" is the climax of misunderstandings of both parent and child and will add onto the experiences they have both acquired and alter the way they look at life. This is why Larkin warns us in his poem, "Get out as early as you can,/ And don't have any kids yourself."