Dry-point relates to a technique of etching
using a sharp needle. Perhaps suggesting of
discomfort, something scratching away at the
speaker- ie desire
‘Dry-Point’ Etching is like an ‘itching’
This poem speaks about sexuality, and the primal ways in which humans are controlled by desire-
especially men. The speaker describes sex as an irritant, and explains the constant needs for sexual
fulfillment, using the image of a ‘bubble’ to depict the pinnacle of one’s sexual longing. However, the
speaker is never able to find this fulfillment he longs for, as sex only seems to lead to
disappointment and displeasure, and the feeling of desire only returns in a never-ending cycle.
Different themes:
Desire
Sexuality
Disappointment
Different poems to link to and why:
Deceptions- this idea of sex as being unfulfilling
Lines on a Young Lady’s Photograph Album- male desire
Reasons for attendance- desire, lack of gratification through sex
Contextual links:
Written in 1950- this was a society focused on marriage
Larkin often challenged the romanticized, idealized images of sex, hence why this poem does
not depict passion and satisfaction, but instead unwanted desire and disappointment.
Links to title of collection- doesn’t want audience being deceived by the momentary
satisfaction that comes with sex.
Poem was originally published alongside the poem ‘oils’ and ‘two portraits of sex’- two
contrasting techniques of the visual arts.
Poem originally named ‘etching’ but republished in the less deceived as ‘dry point’ (etching
is like an itching)
Key aspects of form and structure:
End stopped lines used to slow down pace and increase anticipation- mirroring the feelings
of the speaker.
The text does not follow a specific pattern of rhyme or rhythm. The lines also vary greatly in
length with the shortest at three words and the longest at nine.
In the third line of the first stanza, Larkin uses a dash to end the phrase, “Burst it as fast as
we can—.” This leaves the reader with a momentary cliff hanger that is then resolved,
unsatisfactorily in the fourth line.
In the second stanza, there is a three-word line: “Bestial, intent, real.” These three
descriptors of lust are separated from the rest of the poem, increasing their impact
especially when they are flanked by two longer lines.
‘What ashen hills! what salted, shrunken lakes!’ The exclamation reveals that the speaker
has come to a moment of realisation about his relationships and their sexual nature
Key methods and arguments of poem:
using a sharp needle. Perhaps suggesting of
discomfort, something scratching away at the
speaker- ie desire
‘Dry-Point’ Etching is like an ‘itching’
This poem speaks about sexuality, and the primal ways in which humans are controlled by desire-
especially men. The speaker describes sex as an irritant, and explains the constant needs for sexual
fulfillment, using the image of a ‘bubble’ to depict the pinnacle of one’s sexual longing. However, the
speaker is never able to find this fulfillment he longs for, as sex only seems to lead to
disappointment and displeasure, and the feeling of desire only returns in a never-ending cycle.
Different themes:
Desire
Sexuality
Disappointment
Different poems to link to and why:
Deceptions- this idea of sex as being unfulfilling
Lines on a Young Lady’s Photograph Album- male desire
Reasons for attendance- desire, lack of gratification through sex
Contextual links:
Written in 1950- this was a society focused on marriage
Larkin often challenged the romanticized, idealized images of sex, hence why this poem does
not depict passion and satisfaction, but instead unwanted desire and disappointment.
Links to title of collection- doesn’t want audience being deceived by the momentary
satisfaction that comes with sex.
Poem was originally published alongside the poem ‘oils’ and ‘two portraits of sex’- two
contrasting techniques of the visual arts.
Poem originally named ‘etching’ but republished in the less deceived as ‘dry point’ (etching
is like an itching)
Key aspects of form and structure:
End stopped lines used to slow down pace and increase anticipation- mirroring the feelings
of the speaker.
The text does not follow a specific pattern of rhyme or rhythm. The lines also vary greatly in
length with the shortest at three words and the longest at nine.
In the third line of the first stanza, Larkin uses a dash to end the phrase, “Burst it as fast as
we can—.” This leaves the reader with a momentary cliff hanger that is then resolved,
unsatisfactorily in the fourth line.
In the second stanza, there is a three-word line: “Bestial, intent, real.” These three
descriptors of lust are separated from the rest of the poem, increasing their impact
especially when they are flanked by two longer lines.
‘What ashen hills! what salted, shrunken lakes!’ The exclamation reveals that the speaker
has come to a moment of realisation about his relationships and their sexual nature
Key methods and arguments of poem:
