Since he never did this action, a speaker claims to know nothing of “harsh patronage” before declaring “Life is first boredom, then fear.” For 10 points each:
[10e] Philip Larkin poems like “Self’s the Man” reflect on his decision to not perform what action? The last lines of “This be the Verse” advises “get out as early as you can” and don’t perform this action.
ANSWER: having kids [or synonyms; prompt on answers like getting married or settling down]
[10m] “Dockery and Son” wonders “Why did he think adding meant [this concept]? / To me it was dilution.” Shakespeare’s first “procreation” sonnet opens by declaring “From fairest creatures we desire” this concept.
ANSWER: increase
[10h] Larkin wrote of realizing that “it was not people I disliked but children” in a review of this couple’s The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren. This couple, whose first names were Iona and Peter, compiled The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes.
ANSWER: the Opies [accept Iona Opie or Peter Opie]
<JB, British Literature>