Section 2 Summary

"He Hears That His Beloved Has Become Engaged" is a poem about a man who has learned of the loss of his lady love. The man gallantly steps aside and when dancing with the beloved chooses to help her shine as opposed to interfering with her happiness. In this way, the man shows true love for he is intent on showing the woman in her best light.

Larkin laments loneliness in "At Thirty-one When Some are Rich." While some have become rich and others have become dead, Larkin has a job instead of divining a plan on how to gain fame and fortune. The poet spends his evenings writing letters. The letters are written to women, but Larkin is quick to point out that they are not the kind that will land him in court. Instead, they contain niceties and kind words, there...