'And that was only on one island': the pessimism of R.S. Thomas and Philip Larkin

Abstract

R.S. Thomas (1913-2000) and Philip Larkin (1922-1985) are two of the most important British poets of the last half century. The aim of this dissertation is to examine the pessimism that is found in the work of Thomas and Larkin. In the introduction the most important biographical difference between the two poets, that of Thomas's Christian beliefs and Larkin's atheism, is explored in relation to their pessimistic stance. Furthermore it is argued that, given that pessimism originates from the conditioning of humans by time and space, the pessimistic writings of Thomas and Larkin are more relevant now than ever before since we are living in an age where time has speeded up immeasurably. The first chapter tackles the irreality of optimism and progress, while also exploring some philosophical varieties of pessimism, namely Schopenhauer's and Nietzsche's. Finally it asserts that poetry, precisely because of its aesthetic conditioning, can offer a more immediate and incisive vantage point into pessimistic thinking. The next chapter deals with Thomas's pessimism, which is sub-divided into two categories, that of pessimism which stems from the presence of failed human endeavour and material decay, and that which stems from the absence of God. The third chapter explores Larkin's more cosmopolitan pessimism, which is sub-divided into three overlapping categories of temporal decay, disappointment and death. Finally, the conclusion asserts that both Thomas and Larkin, despite the former's tortured doubt and the latter's despair in the face of nothingness, are pessimists because of 'a fully conscious love' for life.