Introduction
The poem “Church Going,” written by the renowned British poet Philip Larkin, reflects the changing social landscape of the 20th century and its consequences on the traditional church-going culture of Britain. The poem is composed in the first person, with the narrator visiting a church in the middle of England.
The poem’s narrator, a man walking through a rural church, contemplates its significance in the contemporary world. He is intrigued by the atmosphere, the presence of history, and the mystery of the church and its surrounding landscape. He notices the ‘seriousness’ of the place, a solemnity that he appreciates despite not being religious. Through the narrator’s observations, Larkin effectively highlights the disconnect between traditional religious values and the modern world’s new values. The author conveys that conventional religious values are losing significance in modern society.
Theme
The poem’s central theme is the decline of church-going culture in Britain. The narrator notes that the church is no longer what it was, and the windows reveal nothing. This suggests that the churches are no longer places of worship and are instead used for other purposes, such as social gatherings or storage. The narrator’s observations of the church’s vacant pews, musty air, and silence emphasize the emptiness of the church’s once-vibrant congregation and highlight the decline of traditional religious values (Grundy, 2021).
Furthermore, the poem’s ending is particularly poignant as the narrator contemplates the church’s future. He notes that he could stay here forever. However, he realizes this is impossible as the church is too strange (Grundy, 2021). This suggests that traditional religious values are no longer relevant to contemporary society and are becoming increasingly obsolete (May 2021). The narrator knows the church is no longer a location of adoration but a relic of the past.
Message
The poem’s message is that although a church may evoke a certain stillness and solemnity, it is not necessarily a place of faith anymore. The narrator reflects on the changes in religious practice and belief over time, noting that the church has become a shape less familiar than the rectangles, a comment on the increasing secularization of society. He notes that the church is still used for important occasions, such as weddings. This suggests that although faith may no longer be a key component of the equation, there is still something to be appreciated and respected within the church.
The poem’s message is further reinforced by research, which suggests that the decline of traditional religious values is a broader phenomenon. According to an investigation, the percentage of people identifying as Christian in Britain has fallen from 71% to 43% since 1983 (May 2021). This suggests that traditional religious values are becoming increasingly irrelevant in contemporary society. The survey likewise discovered that only 8% of people attend church services in Britain (May 2021). This further suggests that traditional religious values are becoming increasingly obsolete.
Conclusion
Philip Larkin’s poem “Church Going” captures the shifting social climate of 20th-century Britain and its effects on the nation’s traditional church-going practices. The poem follows a man wandering into a rural church, reflecting on its role and meaning in modern life. Through his reflections, Larkin highlights the widening gap between established religious traditions and contemporary societal values. The poem conveys that conventional religious beliefs are losing relevance in today’s world, a notion supported by research indicating that the decline of traditional spirituality is a widespread trend.
References
Grundy, M. (2021). Church going gone: A biography of religion, doubt, and faith. Rural Theology Journal, 1–2. Web.
May, A. (2021). Church Going? Religion and community. Springer eBooks, 141–152. Web.