On 19/1/05 3:42 AM, "Michael Peverett" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I like the essay for saying what seems obvious to me, that there are
> eminent poets who on any reasonable assessment have done far more evil
> things than Larkin ever did. In fact, his petty meannesses, discreditable
> and ugly though they are, are something I just don't dwell on at all, so
> convinced am I that everyone else is AT LEAST as bad as that, though of
> course often in very different ways. Petty evil of the Larkin kind usually
> goes to its grave still in disguise. I hope no-one feels insulted by this
> insinuation - you are a saint, so forgive me!
As a true saint myself, I bless you, my son. May God forgive your
transgressions.
The point about Lowell was interesting, for sure. I was frankly puzzled by
his saying that it was impossible to empathise with the Cantos. Yes, sure,
they don't invite the same kind of apparent transparency as Larkin might,
but that doesn't mean it's impossible to empathise. It's one of their many
dilemmas. The Pisan Cantos, in particular, made me feel as sad as anything
I've read.
Best
A
Alison Croggon
Blog: http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com
Editor, Masthead: http://masthead.net.au
Home page: http://alisoncroggon.com
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