First Sight - Larkin

Question 1

Summary - First Sight

Answer 1

• describes newborn lambs experiencing the world for the first time
• written in March 1956 - winter was disappearing
• lambs symbolise youth and immunity

Question 2

Key themes - First Sight

Answer 2

• innocence and experience
• cycle of life
• nature’s indifference

Question 3

Structure and tone - First Sight

Answer 3

• two 7 line stanzas - regular rhytm
• tender, reflective yet tragic tone
• the tone shifts from wonder to melancholy as we see what the lambs innocence conceals

Question 4

Context - First Sight

Answer 4

• Larkin often explores birth, time and mortality through natural imagery
• shows how life begins unaware of it’s own end
• the movements ideals - precision, simplicity, realism

Question 5

Key quote - First Sight - ‘ lambs that learn to walk in snow’

Answer 5

• the softness of snow combines innocence and fragility

Question 6

Key quote - First Sight - ‘her fleeces… surprise’

Answer 6

• something else that is always there and waiting

Question 7

Strong comparisons with -First Sight

Answer 7

Before you were mine - Duffy
Moments of grace - Duffy
MCMXIV - Larkin