Born Yesterday by Mr Morris

Born Yesterday

smorris — 2013-03-04 14:52:10 UTC

Mr Warner

2013-03-05 16:00:56 UTC

Typical Larkin. The cynicism shown towards 'normal' attitudes is a strange one to voice. Nevertheless, it provides an alternative view to the typical feelings that a 21st century audience may feel.

Mrs Snell

jsnell — 2013-03-05 16:09:46 UTC

Larkin's wishes are, at first, expressed in a pessimistic way.
He talks about what she should not be, but in the end the poem turns apparent dullness into something good with a list of optimistic adjectives, making us question our perception of someone who might appear 'dull'.

Miss Clayton

2013-03-05 16:20:59 UTC

Larkin seems to be suggesting that being extraordinary in some way (beauty, talent, intelligence, goodness etc.), makes it more difficult to be happy because you are 'thrown off balance" somehow. Although strange at first, on further consideration this begins to make sense.... For example, extreme beauty or intelligence bring their own pressures and are perhaps their own curse.

Miss Rushton

lrushton — 2013-03-05 16:27:29 UTC

This poem was written by Larkin 'for Sally Amis'. He wrote it for her when she was a baby. The poem was read out at her funeral. Complete some research about her life; does this give the poem extra meaning/ an added dimension?