The Old Fools Comments
What do they think has happened, the old fools,
To make them like this? Do they somehow suppose
It's more grown-up when your mouth hangs open and drools,
And you keep on pissing yourself, and can't remember
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Re: last comment. OF COURSE he is afraid of getting old and dying! ! ! I don't find the tone mocking, simply a truthful observation of ageing/death as he sees it. Larkin was not young when he wrote this, so if he does use a sterotype, which I don't think he does, he would certainly be including himself. The last two sections of this poem are brilliant, moving, depressing and great poetry.
Here Larkin seems to stereotype the eldery in a mocking tone- maybe he is afraid of growing old?
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7/20/2025 6:04:26 AM # 1.0.0
The idea that Philip Larkin sterotypes anyone is very far from the truth and reveals a lack of understanding of what he is saying. This is a wonderful poem written by one of our most far-seeing and human writers.