In the thrilling Doctor Who episode “Boom,” a poignant line resonates deeply, hinting at profound themes within the narrative and beyond. This seemingly simple phrase, “what survives of us is love,” carries a weight of meaning that extends far beyond the immediate context of the episode, drawing from the depths of 20th-century poetry and the nuanced perspectives of its creator, Steven Moffat. This article delves into the origins of this powerful quote, exploring its literary roots and its perfect placement within the Doctor Who universe, particularly in an episode grappling with faith and logic.
The Quote and its Literary Roots: Philip Larkin’s “An Arundel Tomb”
The line, delivered with quiet gravitas, is attributed to a “sad old man” by the Doctor. However, its true origin lies in the poem An Arundel Tomb by the renowned English poet Philip Larkin. Written in 1956, the poem reflects on a medieval monument in Chichester Cathedral, depicting the effigies of the 10th Earl of Arundel and his wife, Eleanor of Lancaster, their hands clasped in stone. The author of this article has a personal connection to this location, having visited Chichester Cathedral frequently during childhood, adding another layer of resonance to the quote’s exploration. The poem culminates with the lines:
Time has transfigured them into
Untruth. The stone fidelity
They hardly meant has come to be
Their final blazon, and to prove
Our almost-instinct almost true:
What will survive of us is love.
This is the source, albeit slightly misquoted, of the impactful line in “Boom.” To understand the quote’s depth, it’s crucial to consider Larkin’s poetic intentions and the layers of meaning embedded within An Arundel Tomb.
AI-generated image of the TARDIS at Chichester Cathedral, linking Doctor Who to the real-world location mentioned in the article about the quote 'what survives of us is love'.
Unpacking Larkin’s Intent: Cynicism and Shifting Perspectives
Philip Larkin is often characterized as a cynical poet, and An Arundel Tomb initially appears to align with this view. The poem can be interpreted as ironic, suggesting that the enduring image of love in the monument is a “stone fidelity” that the Earl and Countess “hardly meant.” Larkin himself seemed to initially lean towards this interpretation, famously adding to his manuscript, “Love isn’t stronger than death just because statues hold hands for six hundred years.” This initial cynicism suggests that the poem is not a straightforward celebration of love’s enduring power, but rather a commentary on how time and perception can distort reality, turning unintended gestures into grand pronouncements.
However, Larkin’s perspective on the poem and the line “what survives of us is love” evolved over time. In a later interview, he offered a more nuanced understanding, stating, “I think what survives of us is love, whether in the simple biological sense or just in terms of responding to life, making it happier, even if it’s only making a joke.” This clarification reveals a wavering or evolving viewpoint, suggesting that while Larkin might have initially intended irony, he also recognized a deeper truth in the sentiment – that love, in its various forms, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience that persists beyond individual lives.
Moffat’s Masterstroke: Love and Faith in Doctor Who
Steven Moffat’s choice to weave this complex and somewhat ambiguous quote into “Boom” is nothing short of genius. In an episode that directly confronts the complexities of faith, contrasting it with the Doctor’s logical worldview, the line from Larkin’s poem adds a layer of profound resonance. The episode explores both the potential dangers and unexpected benefits of faith, mirroring the nuanced and shifting perspectives within Larkin’s own understanding of love.
Just as Larkin grappled with the ironic and sincere interpretations of his famous line, “Boom” presents a Doctor initially skeptical of faith who gradually comes to appreciate its positive aspects. The quote, “what survives of us is love,” perfectly encapsulates this thematic tension. It speaks to a fundamental human need for connection and meaning, even in the face of logic and skepticism. In the context of Doctor Who, a series often exploring the vastness of time and the ephemerality of individual lives, the idea that love is what endures becomes particularly poignant. Moffat’s selection of this quote, with its rich literary history and inherent ambiguity, elevates “Boom” beyond a simple narrative, transforming it into a meditation on human nature, belief, and the enduring power of love in a universe of constant change.
In conclusion, the quote “what survives of us is love” in “Boom” is far more than a throwaway line. It’s a carefully chosen literary reference that enriches the episode’s themes, drawing upon the complex legacy of Philip Larkin’s poem and the poet’s own evolving understanding of love. By subtly weaving this quote into the fabric of Doctor Who, Steven Moffat crafts a moment of genuine depth and lasting impact, prompting viewers to contemplate the enduring power of love in their own lives and in the grand tapestry of existence.
