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Philip Larkin's father, Sydney Larkin, was known for combining a love of literature with an enthusiasm for Nazism, having attended two Nuremberg rallies.
Answer: True
The source material indicates that Philip Larkin's father, Sydney Larkin, combined a love of literature with an enthusiasm for Nazism, including attending two Nuremberg rallies.
Philip Larkin's early childhood education was unusual because he attended a private boarding school from a very young age.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's early childhood education was unusual because he was educated at home by his mother and sister until the age of eight, rather than attending a private boarding school.
Kingsley Amis, a close friend of Larkin, was inspired to write *Lucky Jim* after visiting Larkin at University College, Leicester.
Answer: True
Kingsley Amis was indeed inspired to write *Lucky Jim* by his visits to Philip Larkin at University College, Leicester, and Larkin also contributed significantly to the novel.
On his deathbed, Philip Larkin requested that his unpublished poems be preserved, but his diaries be destroyed.
Answer: True
Philip Larkin's deathbed request was for his diaries to be destroyed, a request that was carried out. His will was contradictory regarding other unpublished works, which were ultimately preserved.
Philip Larkin was widely known for his enthusiastic public readings and numerous audio recordings of his poetry.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin was not widely known for enthusiastic public readings; he generally avoided them due to a dislike of his own voice, and despite making studio recordings, he had a reputation for reluctance.
The BBC *Monitor* program 'Down Cemetery Road' featured Philip Larkin being interviewed by Kingsley Amis.
Answer: False
The BBC *Monitor* program 'Down Cemetery Road' featured Philip Larkin being interviewed by John Betjeman, not Kingsley Amis.
Ben Brown's play *Larkin With Women* explored Larkin's relationships with Monica Jones, Maeve Brennan, and Betty Mackereth.
Answer: True
Ben Brown's play *Larkin With Women* accurately explored Philip Larkin's long-term relationships with Monica Jones, Maeve Brennan, and Betty Mackereth.
From which university did Philip Larkin graduate with a first-class honours degree in English Language and Literature?
Answer: Oxford University
Philip Larkin graduated from Oxford University in 1943 with a first-class honours degree in English Language and Literature.
What was unusual about Philip Larkin's early childhood education?
Answer: He was educated at home until the age of eight by his mother and sister.
Philip Larkin's early childhood education was unusual because he was educated at home by his mother and sister until the age of eight, and the family received no visitors during this period.
What role did Philip Larkin play in the development of Kingsley Amis's novel *Lucky Jim*?
Answer: He contributed considerably to the novel and it was dedicated to him.
Philip Larkin contributed considerably to Kingsley Amis's novel *Lucky Jim*, which was dedicated to him, and his experiences at Leicester inspired Amis.
Who were the three women involved in Philip Larkin's simultaneous relationships in the mid-1970s?
Answer: Maeve Brennan, Betty Mackereth, and Monica Jones
In the mid-1970s, Philip Larkin was involved in simultaneous relationships with Maeve Brennan, Betty Mackereth (his secretary), and Monica Jones.
What was Philip Larkin's favorite piece of music when he was a guest on BBC's *Desert Island Discs* in 1976?
Answer: 'I'm Down in the Dumps' by Bessie Smith
On BBC's *Desert Island Discs* in 1976, Philip Larkin's favorite piece of music was 'I'm Down in the Dumps' by Bessie Smith.
What was Philip Larkin's deathbed request regarding his diaries?
Answer: That they be destroyed.
On his deathbed, Philip Larkin explicitly requested that his diaries be destroyed, a request that was subsequently fulfilled.
Who interviewed Philip Larkin in the 1964 BBC *Monitor* program 'Down Cemetery Road'?
Answer: John Betjeman
In the 1964 BBC *Monitor* program 'Down Cemetery Road,' Philip Larkin was interviewed by fellow poet John Betjeman.
Philip Larkin's early literary career began with the publication of his novel *Jill* in 1946, followed by his first poetry collection, *The North Ship*, in 1945.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's first poetry collection, *The North Ship*, was published in 1945, preceding his novel *Jill*, which was released in 1946.
Philip Larkin achieved widespread recognition in 1964 with the release of his poetry collection *High Windows*.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin achieved widespread recognition in 1955 with the publication of *The Less Deceived*. His collection *High Windows* was released in 1974.
W. H. Auden, W. B. Yeats, and T. S. Eliot were the primary poets who influenced Philip Larkin's work.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's poetry was influenced by W. H. Auden, W. B. Yeats, and Thomas Hardy, not T. S. Eliot.
In *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse*, Larkin gave T. S. Eliot the most generous representation, re-evaluating his standing.
Answer: False
In *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse*, Philip Larkin notably gave Thomas Hardy the most generous representation, not T. S. Eliot.
Donald Davie praised Larkin's *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse* for its innovative and inclusive approach to English poetry.
Answer: False
Donald Davie was highly critical of Larkin's *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse*, accusing him of 'positive cynicism' and encouraging 'philistinism,' rather than praising its approach.
Philip Larkin used the pseudonym Brunette Coleman for his jazz criticism in *The Daily Telegraph*.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin used the pseudonym Brunette Coleman for his early prose works, such as novellas, not for his jazz criticism in *The Daily Telegraph*.
The term 'The Movement' in British post-war literature was first used in *The Spectator* in 1954.
Answer: True
The term 'The Movement,' referring to a trend in British post-war literature, was indeed first used in *The Spectator* in October 1954.
Philip Larkin's final poetry collection, *High Windows* (1974), was universally praised by critics for its innovative style and sold over fifty thousand copies in its first year.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's *High Windows* (1974) received mixed critical praise, not universal acclaim, and sold over twenty thousand copies in its first year, not fifty thousand.
Philip Larkin was a vocal proponent of modernism in art and literature, advocating for its experimental forms.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin was a critic of modernism in art and literature, as evidenced in his reviews and essays, rather than a proponent of its experimental forms.
Robert Lowell reviewed *The Less Deceived* in America, praising its ability to capture the moment without straining after ephemera.
Answer: True
Robert Lowell's review of *The Less Deceived* in America indeed praised its capacity to capture the moment authentically, without resorting to ephemeral trends.
A. Alvarez criticized Larkin and The Movement poets for their 'gentility' and 'failure to deal with the violent extremes of contemporary life.'
Answer: True
A. Alvarez criticized Larkin and The Movement poets for their 'gentility' and their perceived 'failure to deal with the violent extremes of contemporary life,' among other points.
Christopher Ricks praised *The Whitsun Weddings* for its flawless execution and ability to evoke the universal human experience.
Answer: True
Christopher Ricks lauded *The Whitsun Weddings* for its 'flawless execution' and its ability to evoke 'the world of all of us,' reflecting universal human experience.
What was the title of Philip Larkin's first published book of poetry?
Answer: *The North Ship*
Philip Larkin's first published book of poetry was *The North Ship*, released in 1945.
In what year did Philip Larkin come to prominence with the publication of *The Less Deceived*?
Answer: 1955
Philip Larkin came to prominence in 1955 with the publication of his second poetry collection, *The Less Deceived*.
Which of the following poets was NOT listed as an influence on Philip Larkin's work?
Answer: T. S. Eliot
W. H. Auden, W. B. Yeats, and Thomas Hardy were listed as influences on Philip Larkin's work; T. S. Eliot was not.
In *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse*, which poet did Philip Larkin give the most generous representation?
Answer: Thomas Hardy
In *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse*, Philip Larkin notably gave Thomas Hardy the most generous representation, re-evaluating his poetic standing.
What was Donald Davie's primary criticism of Larkin's *The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse*?
Answer: He accused Larkin of 'positive cynicism' and encouraging 'philistinism'.
Donald Davie's primary criticism of Larkin's anthology was that he accused Larkin of 'positive cynicism' and of encouraging 'philistinism' and 'the weakest kind of Englishry'.
What pseudonym did Philip Larkin use for his early prose works, including novellas like *Trouble at Willow Gables*?
Answer: Brunette Coleman
Philip Larkin used the pseudonym Brunette Coleman for his early prose works, including novellas such as *Trouble at Willow Gables*.
In what year was the term 'The Movement' first used in *The Spectator* to describe a trend in British post-war literature?
Answer: 1954
The term 'The Movement' was first used in *The Spectator* in October 1954 to describe a significant trend in British post-war literature.
Which of the following poems was NOT listed as one of Larkin's best-known works written during his first five years in Hull?
Answer: 'Aubade'
'An Arundel Tomb,' 'The Whitsun Weddings,' and 'Here' are listed among Larkin's best-known poems from his first five years in Hull; 'Aubade' was a later work.
What was the critical reception of Philip Larkin's final collection, *High Windows* (1974)?
Answer: It received mixed critical praise due to its more direct use of language.
Philip Larkin's final collection, *High Windows* (1974), received mixed critical praise, partly due to its more direct and explicit use of language.
What was Philip Larkin's general stance on modernism in art and literature?
Answer: He was a critic of modernism, evident in his reviews and essays.
Philip Larkin was a notable critic of modernism in art and literature, a stance clearly articulated in his collected reviews and essays.
What criticism did A. Alvarez level against Philip Larkin and The Movement poets?
Answer: Their 'gentility' and failure to address violent contemporary life.
A. Alvarez criticized Philip Larkin and The Movement poets for their 'gentility' and a perceived 'failure to deal with the violent extremes of contemporary life.'
Philip Larkin served as the jazz critic for *The Daily Telegraph* for a decade, from 1961 to 1971.
Answer: True
Philip Larkin indeed served as the jazz critic for *The Daily Telegraph* for a ten-year period, from 1961 to 1971.
Philip Larkin's first professional librarian position was at the University of Hull Library in 1943.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's first professional librarian position was at the public library in Wellington, Shropshire, in 1943. He became University Librarian at Hull in 1955.
As University Librarian at Hull, Philip Larkin was instrumental in making the Brynmor Jones Library the first in Europe to install a Geac computer system for records.
Answer: True
Philip Larkin, as University Librarian at Hull, was indeed instrumental in the Brynmor Jones Library becoming the first in Europe to install a Geac computer system for records.
Richard Goodman praised Philip Larkin's administrative skills, noting his ability to motivate staff through efficiency, high standards, humor, and compassion.
Answer: True
Richard Goodman's assessment confirms that Philip Larkin was an excellent administrator who motivated his staff through efficiency, high standards, humor, and compassion.
What was Philip Larkin's first professional librarian position after graduating from Oxford?
Answer: Librarian of the public library in Wellington, Shropshire
After graduating from Oxford in 1943, Philip Larkin's first professional librarian position was at the public library in Wellington, Shropshire.
What significant technological advancement did Philip Larkin oversee at the University of Hull Library?
Answer: The installation of the first Geac computer system in Europe for records.
As University Librarian, Philip Larkin oversaw the installation of the first Geac computer system in Europe for records at the Brynmor Jones Library, a significant technological advancement.
According to Richard Goodman, what qualities did Philip Larkin use to motivate his staff as a librarian?
Answer: Efficiency, high standards, humor, and compassion.
Richard Goodman noted that Philip Larkin motivated his staff through a combination of efficiency, high standards, humor, and compassion.
Andrew Motion characterized Philip Larkin's poems as having 'lowered sights and diminished expectations,' while Donald Davie noted their 'very English, glum accuracy.'
Answer: False
Andrew Motion described Larkin's poems as having 'a very English, glum accuracy,' while Donald Davie characterized his work by 'lowered sights and diminished expectations.'
Philip Larkin's famous comparison of deprivation to Wordsworth's daffodils humorously highlighted his focus on themes of loss and absence.
Answer: True
Larkin's statement that deprivation was 'what daffodils were for Wordsworth' indeed humorously underscored his thematic focus on loss and absence.
Jean Hartley described Philip Larkin's poetic style as a 'piquant mixture of lyricism and discontent,' capturing its blend of musicality and dissatisfaction.
Answer: True
Jean Hartley's description accurately captures the blend of lyricism and underlying dissatisfaction often found in Larkin's poetic style.
Philip Larkin's poem 'High Windows' was inspired by his childhood home in Coventry.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's poem 'High Windows' was inspired by the view from his rented top-floor flat in Hull, not his childhood home in Coventry.
The famous line 'sexual intercourse began in 1963' from Larkin's poem 'Annus Mirabilis' refers to the general societal shift of the 1960s.
Answer: False
Richard Bradford suggests that the line 'sexual intercourse began in 1963' from 'Annus Mirabilis' commemorates the transition of Larkin's relationship with Maeve Brennan from romantic to sexual, rather than a general societal shift.
Sisir Kumar Chatterjee believes that the positive side of Larkin's vision of life is hidden under a defeatist veneer in his poetry, becoming more apparent over time.
Answer: True
Sisir Kumar Chatterjee indeed posits that the positive aspects of Larkin's vision are often concealed beneath a 'defeatist veneer' in his poetry, becoming more discernible with deeper engagement.
Philip Larkin's final major published poem, 'Aubade,' was completed in 1977 and is known for its reflections on nature's beauty.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's final major published poem, 'Aubade,' completed in 1977, is known for its somber reflections on death and existence, rather than nature's beauty.
How did Donald Davie characterize Philip Larkin's poetic work?
Answer: Lowered sights and diminished expectations
Donald Davie characterized Philip Larkin's poetic work by 'lowered sights and diminished expectations,' reflecting its realistic and often melancholic tone.
What inspired Philip Larkin's poem 'High Windows'?
Answer: The view from his rented top-floor flat in Hull.
Philip Larkin's poem 'High Windows' was inspired by the view from his rented top-floor flat at 32 Pearson Park in Hull.
What themes are recurrent in Philip Larkin's mature poetic work?
Answer: Death and fatalism, the mundane, and the passage of time.
Recurrent themes in Philip Larkin's mature poetic work include death and fatalism, the mundane aspects of life, and the inexorable passage of time.
In his 1972 poem 'Going, Going,' what did Philip Larkin prophesy about the English countryside?
Answer: A complete destruction, leaving only 'concrete and tyres'.
In 'Going, Going,' Philip Larkin prophesied a complete destruction of the English countryside, lamenting that 'all that remains for us will be concrete and tyres,' reflecting his anxieties about modernization.
What was the title of Philip Larkin's final major published poem?
Answer: 'Aubade'
Philip Larkin's final major published poem, known for its somber reflections on death, was 'Aubade,' completed in 1977.
The posthumous publication of Larkin's letters and biography revealed his private persona to be consistent with his public image as a solitary, no-nonsense Englishman.
Answer: False
The posthumous publications revealed a private persona that was often at odds with his public image, exposing aspects such as his racism, right-wing political views, and obsession with pornography.
Despite controversies, Philip Larkin was named Britain's greatest post-war writer by *The Times* in 2008.
Answer: True
Despite the controversies that emerged after his death, Philip Larkin was indeed named Britain's greatest post-war writer by *The Times* in 2008, affirming his literary standing.
Kingston upon Hull commemorated Philip Larkin with a bronze statue by Martin Jennings and the renaming of the city's main library in his honor.
Answer: False
Kingston upon Hull commemorated Philip Larkin with a bronze statue and established the Philip Larkin Centre for Poetry and Creative Writing, but the city's main library was not renamed in his honor.
Philip Larkin's memorial stone is located in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, unveiled on the 31st anniversary of his birth.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's memorial stone in Poets' Corner was unveiled on December 2, 2016, which marked the 31st anniversary of his death, not his birth.
Philip Larkin's correspondence with Colin Gunner, which resumed in 1971, gained notoriety for revealing his right-wing political views and racist language.
Answer: True
The correspondence between Philip Larkin and Colin Gunner indeed became notorious for revealing Larkin's right-wing political views and the use of racist language.
Since the turn of the century, critical opinion on Philip Larkin has shifted, with many acknowledging a more complex and varied aspect to his work.
Answer: True
Critical opinion on Philip Larkin has indeed shifted since the turn of the century, with a growing recognition of the complex and varied aspects of his work, moving beyond earlier academic reservations.
Stephen Cooper's *Philip Larkin: Subversive Writer* argued that Larkin's early work reinforced conventional attitudes towards class and gender.
Answer: False
Stephen Cooper's *Philip Larkin: Subversive Writer* argued that Larkin's early work actually orchestrated a 'subversion of conventional attitudes towards class, gender, authority and sexual relations,' identifying him as a progressive writer.
Matthew Johnson suggests that evaluations of Philip Larkin often reflect changing attitudes towards 'Englishness' rather than solely discussing the man himself.
Answer: True
Matthew Johnson's perspective is that critical evaluations of Philip Larkin frequently serve as a 'coded and implicit discussion of the supposed values of 'Englishness' that he is held to represent,' rather than focusing solely on the individual.
The 'Larkin Tapes' refer to a 1980 recording of Philip Larkin reading 26 poems, which was uncovered in 2004 and later released as *The Sunday Sessions*.
Answer: True
The 'Larkin Tapes' indeed refer to a 1980 recording of Philip Larkin reading 26 poems, which was rediscovered in 2004 and subsequently released as *The Sunday Sessions*.
The Philip Larkin Society was formed in 2000 and achieved charity status in the United Kingdom in 2005.
Answer: False
The Philip Larkin Society was formed in 1995 and achieved charity status in the United Kingdom in 2000, not 2005.
Philip Larkin's memorial stone in Poets' Corner includes lines from his poem 'High Windows'.
Answer: False
Philip Larkin's memorial stone in Poets' Corner features lines from his poem 'An Arundel Tomb,' not 'High Windows'.
As part of the Larkin 25 Festival, forty decorated toad sculptures were displayed in Hull as a tribute to his poem 'Toads'.
Answer: True
The Larkin 25 Festival in Hull indeed featured forty decorated toad sculptures, 'Larkin with Toads,' as a tribute to his poem 'Toads'.
The Brynmor Jones Library hosted an exhibition titled 'Larkin: New Eyes Each Year' as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017.
Answer: True
The Brynmor Jones Library at Hull University hosted the exhibition 'Larkin: New Eyes Each Year' as part of the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 celebrations.
Three of Larkin's poems, 'This Be The Verse,' 'The Whitsun Weddings,' and 'High Windows,' were voted into the 'Nation's Top 100 Poems' in 1995.
Answer: False
Three of Larkin's poems, 'This Be The Verse,' 'The Whitsun Weddings,' and 'An Arundel Tomb,' were voted into the 'Nation's Top 100 Poems' in 1995, not 'High Windows'.
The pub previously known as The Tudor Rose in Coventry was renamed The Philip Larkin in 2017.
Answer: True
The pub formerly known as The Tudor Rose in Coventry was indeed renamed The Philip Larkin in 2017, honoring the poet in his birthplace.
What was a significant revelation from the posthumous publication of Philip Larkin's letters and biography?
Answer: His obsession with pornography and shift to the political right wing
The posthumous publication of Philip Larkin's letters and biography revealed his obsession with pornography, his racism, and his increasing shift to the political right wing, leading to a re-evaluation of his character.
In what year did *The Times* name Philip Larkin Britain's greatest post-war writer?
Answer: 2008
*The Times* named Philip Larkin Britain's greatest post-war writer in 2008, recognizing his significant literary impact.
Where is Philip Larkin's memorial stone located?
Answer: Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey
Philip Larkin's memorial stone is located in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, a place of commemoration for distinguished literary figures.
What was the name of Sir Tom Courtenay's one-man play about Philip Larkin, which debuted in 2002?
Answer: *Pretending to Be Me*
Sir Tom Courtenay's one-man play about Philip Larkin, which debuted in 2002 and was based on his letters, interviews, diaries, and verse, was titled *Pretending to Be Me*.
What inscription is found on Philip Larkin's memorial stone in Poets' Corner?
Answer: 'Our almost-instinct almost true: / What will survive of us is love.'
Philip Larkin's memorial stone in Poets' Corner bears the inscription: 'Our almost-instinct almost true: / What will survive of us is love,' lines from his poem 'An Arundel Tomb'.
What unique art installation was part of the Larkin 25 Festival in Hull in 2010?
Answer: Forty decorated toad sculptures, 'Larkin with Toads'.
As part of the Larkin 25 Festival in Hull in 2010, forty decorated toad sculptures, titled 'Larkin with Toads,' were displayed as a tribute to his poem 'Toads'.
Which of Larkin's poems were voted into the 'Nation's Top 100 Poems' by BBC's *Bookworm* viewers in 1995?
Answer: 'This Be The Verse', 'The Whitsun Weddings', 'An Arundel Tomb'
In 1995, viewers of BBC's *Bookworm* voted 'This Be The Verse,' 'The Whitsun Weddings,' and 'An Arundel Tomb' into the 'Nation's Top 100 Poems'.
What was the name of the pub in Coventry that was renamed in honor of Philip Larkin in 2017?
Answer: The Tudor Rose
The pub in Coventry that was renamed in honor of Philip Larkin in 2017 was previously known as The Tudor Rose.