Poem Analysis

Marxist, Feminist, Literary Theory

Marxist

Self's the Man

This poem is about Philip Larkin comparing himself to his friend Arnold. He is talking about the things that his friend has that he doesn't have. From the marxist point of view, it shows that his friend has to work harder to make a better life compare to him. Philip believes that caring for oneself is better than having to care for others like his friend Arnold.

Feminist

This poem is about a man and a woman who is sleeping together in a bedroom. He is telling her that after they leave the bedroom, they should not see each other again. From the feminist point of view, he just wanted to use her as a one-night stand and doesn't want to keep her. He just wants her for his own satisfaction.

Reader Response

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