I
cannot imagine two poets with whom I would like to spend more time and I
believe by the end of the week you will feel the same.
Philip
Larkin is one of the best known and loved of modern British poets although this
was something of which he was totally unaware and thought his legacy would be
for his appreciation and critique of Jazz. He even modestly turned down the
opportunity to be Poet Laureate. We shall be exploring how his poetry was
influenced by the work of Thomas Hardy, a prolific, lyrical poet of inestimable
worth though possibly more famed for his novels.
No
previous knowledge of either's work is necessary, but we also welcome those who
know the poets well and who will enjoy contributing to the readings and discussion
since I strive to ensure the sessions are completely interactive.
Over
the years, students have enjoyed coming to the literary classes without any
preconceptions and have appreciated the element of surprise, not least at
finding relevant influences and allusions. During this course, you may even
discover how the two voices are almost indeterminable. In addition to studying
the poems autobiographical details and letters, we will even listen to some
jazz that inspired Larkin. There is no
need to bring any of the collections of either poet as I shall be providing
each guest with a carefully selected anthology reflecting my own favourites, as
well as how the two poets converge and complement each other. However, if you
would like to do some advance reading, we will be looking at the following,
amongst others: -
|
Thomas
Hardy |
Philip
Larkin |
|
A
Wife in London |
Love
Songs in Age |
|
Neutral
Tones |
An
Arundel Tomb |
|
The
Darkling Thrush |
Sad
Steps |
|
The
Self Unseeing |
Church
Going |
|
The
Walk |
Faith
Healer |
|
The
Voice |
Afternoons |
|
At
Castle Boterel |
Annus
Mirabilis |
|
|
Aubade |
NB:
the tutor reserves the right to change her mind about the individual poems.
You
are welcome to bring along a poem with which you are already familiar and that
you would like to share with others, or simply one that has stumped you in the
past and together we will try to unravel it.
