Overview and Key Themes
Ever felt like your days just repeat themselves endlessly? Larkin's "Afternoons" perfectly captures this feeling through the lives of working-class mothers in the 1960s. The poem paints a picture of ordinary scenes and routine chores that define these women's restricted existence.
The narrator observes how these mothers have lost control over their lives, suggesting that the next generation will follow the same pattern. It's a cycle that feels impossible to break - daughters watching their mothers, destined to repeat the same story.
Four major themes run through this poem: love and relationships, the passing of time, change and transformation, and sense of place. Understanding the 1960s context is crucial - gender roles were rigidly defined, with women expected to raise children whilst men provided financially.
Quick Tip: Remember that this poem reflects 1960s society - use this historical context to analyse Larkin's social commentary in your essays.