Ordinary Life

Larkin acquired early experiences of growing up in a grim suburban life.

Peter Cash - ‘Shows how life offers little and delivers less.’
Jody Allen Randloph - ‘Duffy shares Larkin’s tragic views of life…loneliness haunts her verse.’
Poems: Bleaney/ Valentine/ Whitsun/Captain
Para 1 – Mr Bleaney and Valentine – not everyone conforms to society/ norms – therefore is that
defined as not ordinary?
Para 2 – Whitsun Weddings/ Captain – ordinary past experiences – train journey and school life
Para 3 – Bleaney and Captain – both discuss failed opportunities – lacks money and wastes
potential
Para 4 – Whitsun and Valentine – modern and ordinary life – comparison to society
1 – Both Duffy and Larkin, in their respective poems Valentine and Mr Bleaney, reveal that not
everyone conforms to the societal norms therefore question the meaning of ordinary within their
poetry.
Larkin was an introverted child, therefore this could be why he presents Mr Bleaney to be ‘not
ordinary’
‘Mr’ - could perhaps be due to Larkin’s use of formal language but the titular label implies she is
merely mitigating any sense of familiarity with this man, removing the opportunity to understand him
as an individual and allowing the reader to observe from an outsider’s perspective. This position that
Larkin places his reader in is significant in mitigating any emotional attachment, creating a narrative
distance.
Candle burnt out imagery – showing his dull personality
Valentine – ‘not a red rose or satin heart’ – these are typical for Valentines Day therefore not
conforming to norms
‘Give you an onion’ – onions are typically dull with lots of layers – bitter, making you cry (this isn’t
what Valentines Day should be about)
Divorce was heavily uncommon during the 90’s – strict expectations for marriages to be without
issues therefore this supports that the marriage has a problem and is against societal norms.
Duffy Crit - Antje Peuklert - ‘Duffy’s poems deconstruct traditional perceptions and cliches of
women and men.’
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Both Duffy and Larkin present the events of life through materialistic objects.