"Larkin's poetry suggests that many people's lives are disappointing." Discuss this statement with reference to at least 3 poems. Your essay should include reference to poetic technique.

Many of Larkin's poems do suggest that many people's lives are disappointing. He talks about the ways in which people cant find love or happiness often using persona. On one hand, Larkin writes poems such as, 'Afternoons,' where he focuses on the lives of women after having children. He uses pathetic fallacy; using nature to reinforce a character's emotions or experiences. This metaphorical language is a good technique for giving a sentence two meanings. …

…' do not show a disappointing side to life, most of his poems do. They focus on the pessimistic downside of life and the drawbacks it has. Although 'first sight' is a more optimistic poem, it still mentions the downside to the lambs' lives, 'width of cold'. Personally I feel that Larkin's poetry does suggest that people's lives are disappointing, however, I feel that his poems are more true to life than merely just cynical.