Talking in Bed

Content:

Talking in Bed is about the relationship of two people that feel isolated with each other and fail to communicate anymore. The poem title implies that a 'bed' would be a comfortable, private location to talk, a bed suggests intimacy.

Structure:

The poem is quite short with 12 lines, expressing Larkin's negative view of relationships, and how short they are, that relationships can't last forever and will fail.

Theme:

Larkin places a negative view on relationships, and the fall of intimacy that leads to isolation and loneliness. He creates this as a way of human nature, that relationships run their cause and become unhappy and almost makes it seem like he's anti-females.

Analysis:

'Lying' in bed has two connotations. Physically laying in bed with someone suggests closeness and affection, however 'lying' also means telling untruths and being false. The relationship in this poem have trouble communicating, no longer being honest with each other.