Analysis (ai): "A Study of Reading Habits" is a frank and cynical poem about the disillusionment of adulthood and the loss of youthful idealism. It begins with a nostalgic look back to the youthful habit of immersing oneself in books as a means of escape from the mundanity of school and the challenges of life. The speaker recalls how this habit provided solace and a sense of empowerment, allowing him to face adversity with confidence.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's perspective shifts from youthful enthusiasm to adult disillusionment. He reflects on how reading has become a less fulfilling and meaningful experience, with the characters and situations encountered in literature now seeming predictable and the act of reading itself feeling like a tired and empty pursuit.

The poem ends with a dismissive and almost nihilistic attitude towards books and reading, as the speaker declares that he has "had it" with the familiar and repetitive storylines and characters found in literature. He concludes by stating that he would rather "get stewed," suggesting a desire to escape into a state of intoxication as a means of coping with the disappointments of life.

In comparison to other works by Philip Larkin, this poem shares the author's characteristic themes of disillusionment, loneliness, and the passing of time. It also reflects the influence of the post-World War II era, with its sense of emptiness and loss of faith in traditional values and institutions. (hide)