A Study of Reading Habits

Analysis of A Study of Reading Habits by Philip Larkin

"When getting my nose in a book/ Cured most things short of school"

- Reading is his escapism, lets him have fantasies about himself where he is this strong, powerful heroic character.

"Evil was just my lark:/ Me and my coat and fangs/ Had ripping times in the dark."

- Thinks everyone fancies him, some kind of sex machine.

"I broke them up like meringues." 

- Thinks he awesome, but it doesn't take much effort to break a meringue.

"the dude/ Who lets the girl down before/ The hero arrives"

- More realistic view of himself, likes he's playing the supporting role in his own life story.