Summary

Part V is entitled, "Ultimate: Doing the Dying,” the first section of which is named, “The Poet: December 1985”. Here, Martin describes Philip Larkin’s final days, which follow his surgery for cancer of the esophagus. As it happened, Monica had been correct in her prediction of how long Larkin had to live. Martin explains that Larkin felt much fear during his last weeks alive, but he was no unhappier than he was before. It was this life “stuffed full of… repetitive indignities” (471), Martin asserts, that enabled Larkin to be the funniest poet in England. He died on December 2, 1985.

“The Novelist: April 2005” focuses on Saul’s death. It opens with Elena and Martin spending time in Uruguay. One morning Elena comes to Martin’s study and informs him that Saul has died and that the funeral is the next day. Martin is resigned to...