Broadcast

This poem by Larkin is a love poem featuring an emphasis on how music connects him to this woman. It also features some private jokes which show the connection between the couple even further. The private joke between them can be seen in "new,slightly-outmoded shoes" which shows a loving intimate side. This poem therefore links to 'Talking in Bed' as it shows the intimacy between two people even though they may not be together at the time. In 'Talking in Bed' they are in a "unique distance from isolation" however in 'Broadcast' the couple are in different places listening to the same music.
There were many literary devices used in this poem which I found interesting such as the effects used on the sounds that are portrayed throughout the poem. This can be seen in "whispering" and "coughing". The "gh" on these words are fricative sounds and are therefore onomatopoeic. There are also sibilant sounds used in this poem which can be seen in "sudden scuttle". This is also alliteration. Both these sounds produces quite a harsh sound such as throat-clearing noises. This harshness is also supported with the personification of the violins. This can be seen in "snivelling of the violins". This seems quite mournful and sad and creates quite a high-pitched noise such as crying.
I also found the metaphor used in the second stanza quite interesting as it presents a waterfall which shows slow movement which contrasts with the previous, quite harsh descriptions shown in stanza one. This can be seen in "Cascades of monumental slithering". This suggests that their love for one another is quite overwhelming and huge.