ABSTRACT
In writing this study, it quickly became apparent that the exploration I wanted to make of these near-contemporaries had a biographical shape. I therefore imagine it as the charting of a sort of composite poetic ‘life’, from inherited environment to death and spiritual transcendence – with the caveat that too great a biographical focus can obfuscate one’s analysis of any literary work. Chapter 1 focuses on the foundations and motives underpinning the poetry of Larkin, Thomas and Causley. It looks at the ways in which they dealt with inherited literary traditions, and how they attempted to build relationships with and challenge readers. To what extent do they forge a sense of belonging with and/or separateness from their readers, and how do they go about it? The second chapter considers geographical and cultural origins, and how these writers responded to their environments. The mid-to late twentieth century was a time of increased geographical deracination in Britain (and elsewhere), as national and international travel became increasingly possible and necessary. How do these poets respond to such circumstances and challenges? The third chapter considers the belonging and estrangement that inheres in relationships and in marriage. The twentieth century was also marked by a shift in emphasis regarding the importance of marriage; how is this represented and challenged by these poets? Chapter 4 focuses on the forced estrangements of
war, a phenomenon which formed a backdrop to this generation, born to parents old enough to have been involved in the First World War, and themselves of the generation that fought in the Second. The fifth chapter discusses the antagonism between social belonging and the need for isolation, for all of these poets could be extremely reclusive. The final chapter considers issues of faith and mortality in an age of increased secularism.
