Introduction to Literature Poems

So we've started working on the poems that we need to know for the Literature paper: the poems of Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy and work from before 1914. There may be some terms that you're unfamilair with, or that you need refreshing in your memory. This podcast should help.

'Hitcher' - Who picked who up in Leeds?

The Hitcher is probably one of the first Simon Armitage poems that you've looked at in class. Here's a few ideas about the poem, and a few things to get you thinking about. After all, who is 'The Hitcher'?

'Kid' - Robin's Revenge

Are we meant to laugh at Batman's downfall or cry? And what is a trochaic rhythm? This podcast raises some issues around the Simon Armitage poem 'Kid'. There is a real tension in the poem created by the humorous form and structure which contrast so strongly with the sad theme.

'Havisham' - Mean Love!

Whether you're starting 'Havisham', or coming back to it, there are some interesting ideas here to think about. How shocking is 'Havisham'? What act is being described in the fourth stanza? Is the mirror in the second stanza? You need to decide...

'The Laboratory' - Poison! Poison!

Need help with The Laboratory? It's tricky sometimes! This is not a stanza by stanza guide - you'll get that in class. This is a discussion of some of the themes.

'Sonnet 130' - Honest Love

Sonnet 130 may confuse you at first. It is NOT a poem in which Shakespeare is criticising his lover - it's more complicated than that. Cliched poetry of Shakespeare's time was full of similes in which men compared their beloved to natural images (the sun, flowers, the sea) - but Shakespeare rejects all that in favour of a more honest, realistic portrayal of love. Maybe we should accept those we like most for who they are...

'On My First Sonne' - Form vs Content

The structure of this noble, controlled poem is very different to the emotions that this poem creates in the reader. This podcast is a general introduction, as well as being an explanation of some of the ideas (conceits) of the poem.

'Homecoming' - Conflict and Trust

'Homecoming' is as hazy as your childhood memories. That's because it's about a childhood memory of a family disagreement. It's also about trust and the comfort and protection that friendship and love bring. It's quite complex - so listen on!

'Anne Hathaway' - The Power of Love!

What a poem! Elsewhere in the collection we've had psychotic killers, lady killers, man killers, jealousy and hatred. Here we have a beautiful poem about the power of love. Ahhhhh...

'My Last Duchess' - Deadly Jealousy

Be afraid! Be very afraid! This Duke is a sinister and controlling man. A wife-killer and proud of it, he's only intested in power, status and money. Women are possessions to him. Be very afraid...

'Mother any distance...' Letting go!

This is a higher poem. Letting go of those we love can be hard. In this Simon Armitage poem he shows us that we can feel completely opposite emotions at the same time; it's all part of being human!