Using the Reader-Response approach, I analyze John Betjeman’s poem “A Subaltern’s Love Song” (1945). The mention of a tennis tournament captures my interest due to my competitive nature. It appears that the individuals mentioned in the poem were familiar with each other and potentially in a romantic relationship, as they played against one another. I perceive that he may have intentionally allowed her to win the tournament, resulting in winning her affection as well. The poet conveys a love story that could possibly reflect a personal experience.
The author begins by portraying a woman who enjoys basking under the sun, resulting in either a rich tan or a painful sunburn, in Aldershot, England. He goes on to recount their tennis match, expressing his feelings of anger and disappointment upon losing. However, as he reflects on the experience, he admits to feeling glad that she emerged as the victor. This is evident in the line “How mad I am, sad I am, glad that you won.” It is also at this point that I perceived a possibility that he intentionally allowed her to win but later regretted succumbing to his competitive nature.
After the tennis tournament, they strolled home together and engaged in deep conversation. As they walked, time seemed to fly by. The evidence of their connection is evident in the lines “Her father’s euonymus shines as we walk and swing past the summer-house buried in talk… He appears to be captivated by her. It’s evident that he is infatuated with her. The scent of the conifers, the sound of the bath, and the view from his bedroom of a moss-dappled path all distract him as he struggles with his double-end evening tie for their dance at the Golf Club with his friend Victor.”
Initially, I mistakenly believed they were still at her house. But upon a second read, I realized he was actually preparing in his own bedroom for the dance at the Golf Club and having difficulty tying his bow-tie. Upon reaching the dance, rather than entering, they opt to remain in the car together. Their gaze towards the car’s roof and her voice may imply a potential moment of intimacy.
In the distance, there are Rovers and Austins. Above us, there is the cozy roof of the car. And here on my right is the girl I have chosen, with her nose tilted up and her voice like chimes. Her voice is music to my ears. We traveled on less-traveled roads and through wooded paths until we reached the club in a late summer haze. As we arrived, Camberley chimed nine o’clock, heavy with bells and scents of fragrant pine and evergreen. It feels like a short trip into a city where elites throw gala parties. Our time spent sitting in the car park continues until twenty to one, and now I am engaged to Miss Joan Hunter Dunn.
From one perspective, he may feel content about his engagement to Miss Joan Hunter Dunn. However, it is also possible that he simply enjoyed spending time with her without anticipating a deeper commitment. The poem overall explores the dynamics of a competitive relationship and how one person may choose to relinquish the desire to win in order to preserve happiness. In certain instances, losing one prize can lead to gaining a greater one.
