Essay --

In Philip Larkin’s poem â€Å"High Windows† the speaker displays mixed emotions towards the invention of modern birth control and its integration into society during the 60’s. Larkin composed poems during a period of political turmoil and instability and expresses a desire to escape the apparent chaos; he describes both the sexual and religious freedoms of the time. Nevertheless, â€Å"High Windows†, presents a small background of sexuality and culture that is about social change. Yet, during this time period using birth control was looked down upon by the previous conservative generations because the kids were rejecting the previous generations’ morals. In addition, opponents of the birth control pill were concerned that because many were using birth control, it would be used as an excuse to engage in premarital relationships. However, birth control â€Å"Pill† was an innovative invention that brought about a positive cultural change to soc iety because it allows couples to plan for wanted children, establish relationships, financial stability, and women to pursue professional lives with more freedom. In the time period that Larkin wrote â€Å"High Windows†, there were intense changes in matters referring to sex and birth control methods. Sexual practices that were previously considered inappropriate for discussion were openly discussed. New methods of contraception allowed men and women to be able to control their own reproduction. Larkin captures this sense of a new age of sexual freedom in his poem, â€Å"High Windows†. Larkin expresses the desire to escape a constantly changing world due to sexual freedom in order to achieve some type of fulfilling personal relationship. â€Å"Larkin was a life-long bachelor; he had several sexual relationships, but was n... ...Marks). Therefore, the key development of the pill is the freedom of choice one has. â€Å"It frees the woman from the burden of involuntary childbearing that has traditionally made her a poor risk to employers and assigned her a secondary role in society. Now, three out of five working women were married† (Marks). Nonetheless, birth control allows couples to plan for the conception of children and take charge of their life. Birth control has brought about a positive cultural change to society. Women were now able to consider having careers and attending college, rather than worrying about raising a family. The past decade has witnessed significant changes in the culture of society due to the introduction of the birth control movement. The â€Å"Sexual Revolution† of the United States is believed to be part of the aftermath of the widespread use of the birth control pill.