Who far does Philip Larkin's "Afternoons" force the reader to reflect upon an a side of life to which you had never thought about.

"Afternoons" is a melancholy poem, about the inevitability of change and the passing of youth. The poem, written by Philip Larkin, forces the reader to reflect upon the lifestyle of a young woman with a husband and family. Previously, I thought this would be a very fulfilling lifestyle; however, Larkin has changed my opinion on this matter. Although Larkin's thoughts on this life are completely biased, Larkin does make a valid point, which is that …

…mother, such as the love you have for a child or seeing their happiness over simple day to day activities such as playing at a playground. Larkin saw this occasion as a depressing, dull event for the mothers at the playground. His one sidedness, I feel made me engage with the poem more than I believe I would have previously, as it made me challenge my own opinions and beliefs about parenthood and family life.