Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Larkin's "The Mower" is a poignant meditation on the themes of mortality, empathy, and the often-unintentional consequences of human actions. Through the simple, yet powerful narrative of an encounter with a hedgehog, Larkin reflects on the fragility of life and the importance of kindness.

The poem begins with a mundane task disrupted by a tragic discovery: "The mower stalled, twice; kneeling, I found / A hedgehog jammed up against the blades, / Killed. It had been in the long grass." The stalled mower and the act of kneeling convey a sudden halt in the speaker's routine, leading to an unexpected moment of connection with the small creature. The discovery of the dead hedgehog, described in plain terms, underscores the abruptness and finality of death.

Larkin's admission, "I had seen it before, and even fed it, once," adds a layer of personal connection to the narrative. This line reveals that the hedgehog was not just a random animal, but a familiar presence in the speaker's life. The act of feeding the hedgehog indicates a past moment of kindness, which now contrasts sharply with the accidental harm caused. The speaker's acknowledgment, "Now I had mauled its unobtrusive world / Unmendably," reflects a deep sense of guilt and recognition of the irreversible damage done to the hedgehog's peaceful existence.

The next lines, "Burial was no help: / Next morning I got up and it did not," further emphasize the finality of death. The act of burial, often seen as a gesture of respect and closure, offers no solace in this context. The stark contrast between the speaker waking up and the hedgehog remaining lifeless serves as a reminder of the permanence of death and the absence it creates.

Larkin then broadens the scope of the poem, moving from the specific incident to a more general reflection on human relationships: "The first day after a death, the new absence / Is always the same; we should be careful / Of each other, we should be kind / While there is still time." These lines encapsulate the universal experience of loss and the initial shock of absence that follows a death. The repetition of "we should" serves as a moral imperative, urging readers to practice empathy and kindness in their interactions with others.

The closing lines of the poem, "we should be kind / While there is still time," carry a profound message about the transient nature of life and the importance of compassion. Larkin's use of simple, direct language enhances the emotional impact of the poem, making its message clear and resonant. The reminder to be kind "while there is still time" underscores the urgency of acting with empathy and consideration, as life is unpredictable and can be abruptly altered or ended.

"The Mower" is a beautifully crafted poem that uses a small, personal incident to convey a universal truth about the fragility of life and the necessity of kindness. Larkin's ability to evoke deep emotion through everyday experiences and straightforward language makes the poem both accessible and profound. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of our actions on the world around us and the importance of treating all living beings with care and respect.

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