The Ethics of Atheism and Religion in Philip Larkin’s “Church Going”

Name of Author : Dr. M. Krishnaraj

Abstract: Philip Larkin is considered the forerunner of a branch of poets called the Movement Poets. During the second half of the twentieth century, a lot of experimenting, experiences of poetic aestheticism were on vogue. The most common being the refute from the traditional and archetypal poetry writing. The movement poets on the other hand, were more concerned of their love of native culture and wanted to write poetry which was more focused on European glory. The poets under this group included Kingsley Amis, Elizabeth Jennings, Thom Gunn and Robert Conquest. One could not find any coincidences or striking similarities among all these poets and their poetry which did not agree with each other in tone and temperament. On the whole, the movement poets were nostalgic and looked at the modern England as a waste land which is devoid of any human emotions or pastoral features.

Keywords : Ethics of Atheism, Religion, human emotions, pastoral

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