Quests - Abse

Quests is a poem by Abse that seems to reflect certain beliefs, however this poem has a dark nature to it. The poem starts off with 'To reach the other world some sought hemlock in waste places'. This could suggest that the persona is a rather unstable character as it seems as he is about to commit suicide, as hemlock is poisonous and to 'reach the other side' is to effectively die as you leave this world. The reference to 'waste places' could be a reference to the real world and the fact that it is a waste could suggest the persona's desire to leave it. This could also reflect his religious beliefs as he believes there is a better world on the other side once you die.

In stanza two there is a reference to some Jewish beliefs through the word 'messiah'. This is the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. So this stanza reinforces Abse's religious beliefs. Abse later comments that 'gods had human faces and were flawed' suggesting that there is a weakness to them. This could further reinforce the abandonment of religion as gods in this case seemed to be flawed as they haven't helped the persona. This could link to Larkin through this idea of Atheism being implied.

In stanza three there is references to Greek mythology through the quotes 'prying Apion', 'Conch' and 'summoned Homer's spirit'. This could reinforce the persona's interest in Greek mythology and gives us an insight into further beliefs.

Within stanza four it seems as if the persona is back to reality. He is 'back at Cardiff'. However we also get further references to Greek mythology through the word 'satyr' which again reinforces the persona's beliefs.

The last stanza conveys are rather fanatical ending to the poem. The persona comments 'I'll never hear the spheres, their perfect orchestra, or below, with joy, old Trinton playing out a tune'. It seems as though the persona wants to go somewhere else other than this world that is more exciting and adventurous, hence why the poem is called Quests, it acts as a literal metaphor for a journey. I think this poem is about trying to get somewhere you can't and it also establishes lots of religious beliefs as well.

This poem has close links to many of the belief poems by Larkin as they all encompass this aspect of religion. This includes Nothing To Be Said, Water, Days and Ignorance.