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Tone Church Going

Prompt

Read "Church Going" (903-904) by Philip Larkin and answer the following questions.

  • What different denotations does the title contain?
  • Describe the language choices of Larkin in "Church Going." What stands out to you and why?
  • Define the tone of "Church Going" as precisely as possible.

Response

  • The title "Church Going" serves a dual purpose. It literally describes the act of someone visiting a church, as detailed by the narrator’s visit in the poem. Metaphorically, it could suggest the decline or 'going' of church influence and attendance, exploring what significance remains when traditional religious practices fade.
  • Philip Larkin uses a combination of everyday language and formal expressions in "Church Going," creating a tone that is both accessible and introspective. His detailed yet straightforward descriptions of the church's interior alongside casual admissions of his own disconnection from religious practice highlight a secular viewpoint. This choice of language effectively bridges the gap between mundane reality and the deeper existential queries that the poem raises, making the poem relatable yet profound.
  • The tone of "Church Going" is ironic, however it evolves into a more serious contemplation as the poem progresses. Initially, the speaker approaches the church with a somewhat dismissive and irreverent attitude, which gradually shifts to a more thoughtful and appreciative understanding of the church's lasting cultural and spiritual value.