Draft thesis

Housman and Larkin both utilize trees as symbols of the passage of time and general mortality in order to impart a larger virtue of life. However, although they partake in the same subtly didactic goal, their respective methods in portraying that share some disparities. From the pristine imagery and optimistic tone of Housman's "Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now", to the more somber and connotative diction of Larkin's "The Trees", two differing thematic life messages are presented to the reader from unique, different approaches. Housman advocates a carpe diem outlook on life while Larkin relays one of perseverance.