Nihilism in Selected Poems by Philip Larkin

الملخص

Philip Larkin is one of the renowned poets who discussed nihilism and absurdism. In his poetry, he questions many life aspects. This article will analyze some of the poet’s nihilist and absurdist stances in selected poems. Using the theories of Nietzsche, it examines Larkin’s nihilism in religion, reflected in “Church Going” where he doubts the value of churches and the reliability of religious men. Moreover, in “Ambulances” and “Aubade”, Larkin demonstrates his fear and despair at the thought of death. Death, for the poet, represents the unknown and the end of life. The last poem under study is “This Be The Verse”. It reflects Larkin’s absurdist view of life. The poet discusses the monotonicity of life, where nothing new is accomplished throughout the generations.