Question

TOADS The poem describes two "toads". Where is each located? How are they described? What are the antecedents (noun the pronoun is representing) of the pronouns "one" and "other/One's" (33-34) respectively?

Answer 1

Answer:

The explanations are given below

Explanation:

"Toads" is a poem written by Philip Larkin. The word "toad" in this poem means pressures of the word affecting the speaker in Larkin's poem.

The first toad in Philip Larkin's poem represents work, financial pressure and external obligations.  This toad, as described, is external to the speaker. They are external factors bothering the speaker and making him feel he is not living a desirable life.

The second toad resides within the speaker, it prevents him from rebuking the first toad and live an independent life he desires. The second toad is synonymous to fear or lack of courage preventing the speaker to choose the life he wishes to live. The toad-like character of the speaker could not allow him to do without the financial security that his job provides for him.

The combination of the first and second toad in the speaker makes his life more miserable.

The antecedents refer to the two toads. The "one" refers to the first toad and the "other", the second toad.