Wild Oats

Themes
Unattainable beauty, failed love, promiscuity



Content and Voice
The poems describes a particular period of Larkin's life during which he was close to marrying a colleague from work when he in fact desired the friend and the relationship failed . The voice used appears flippant and dismissive but also low in confidence. Larkin was able to laugh at his own expense and personal experiences.


Analysis

• The title 'Wild Oats' comes from a common euphemism for sex: "sow your wild oats". It was an encouragement for men to sleep around prior to getting married whilst women were told to remain chaste. This is ironic in that Larkin details only a rather mild flirtation instead of any promiscuity.
• Two stereotypical images of women appear in the poem- the "bosomy English rose" and "her friend in specs". Larkin reduces the women to stereotypes and objectifies them. Whilst the "English rose" (based on Jane Exall) was exceedingly pretty, pale and what would be thought to be typically more attractive, the friend (Ruth Bowman) is described in an unflattering manner. However, the friend is easier to "talk to" and makes Larkin more comfortable while the symbolic"rose" represents unattainable beauty and sexuality and for this reason, Larkin started a relationship with the attainable friend instead-ironic. This raises the debate of love vs lust as it appears that the feelings faces "sparked" were based entirely on appearance and Larkin seems to aim for women above his level.
• Over time, Larkin's relationship with the friend progresses but is cut off when he is given back the "ten-guinea ring", suggesting a broken engagement. Love is reduced to an exchange of items that are ultimately given back. The relationship also seems distant and Larkin cannot help but think of the two times he met "beautiful". These meetings are particularly memorable for Larkin and most likely allude to the lunch dates Larkin shared with Jane in Leicester and Shrewsbury. However, his uncertainly and low self confidence are displayed when he believes that both times she was trying "not to laugh". He cannot help but think that a women like her will be mocking him.
• Either way, it is clear to see why the "seven" year engagement between Larkin and Ruth Bowman ended if Larkin was so distracted by communicating with Jane. In the end, an "agreement" is reached, suggesting a mutual business contract and alluding to the idea that there were no feelings present in the relationship, only lust. Larkin acknowledges that he does not have the right character traits for the relationship and is "selfish, withdrawn, and easily bored".
• The colloquial language used throughout the poem and the flippant tone highlight that Larkin was dismissive of his relationship with Ruth. He merely states that it was "useful to get that learnt" and to move on with his life, implying that the relationship was just an education-purely learning, not feeling.
• Even though the poem is a reflection on the past, Larkin still has "two snaps" of Jane in his wallet which are described as "unlucky charms". This sarcastic and trivial end note reaches the conclusion that the persona is still single because he kept the photos and it could be argued that this is a portrayal of the fact that nothing will ever match up to Larkin's high standards of the "English rose"-the unrealised fantasy outlives the real affair. Yet, the light-hearted conclusion is discredited by the last word "perhaps", implying that there is a darker, more serious reason for Larkin's lonely existence. The poem ends, like so many others, on a miserable and depressing note and suggests that love can never match its expectations.
• Imagery appears in 'Wild Oats' when describing the women as a "rose" as roses are  often viewed as fragile but beautiful and sensual also. Larkin uses very little rhyme in the poem (e.g. "out" and "doubt) and few poetic techniques so as to create a personal and intimate conversational piece. Enjambment also appears to show the rush of feelings when describing Jane Exall.

Links to other poems
Love Songs in Age- love unable to live up to its reputation
The Arundel Tomb-contrast-a love that survives decades
Self's The Man- selfishness


Academic links: http://www.allinfo.org.uk/levelup/wildoats.htm, http://www.markedbyteachers.com/as-and-a-level/english/english-literature/poetry/comparative-essays/wild-oats-afternoons-a-comparitive-essay.html