English Literature (20th Century Poetry): Poet and Audience by Dr John Redmond, The University of Liverpool

The session considers the relationship between the modern poet and his/her audience. We will look at two short poems by the Irish poets, Seamus Heaney and Michael Longley. Students will be asked to consider themselves in relation to these poems via such questions as, ‘From where does the poem seem to come?’ ‘At whom does the poem seem to be aimed?’ ‘What kind of audience is implied by the poem’s manner of address?’

Lecturer Profile: Dr John Redmond

Suitable for: Year 12

Preparation/Pre-reading: Students will be required to read two poems which will be sent to participating schools separately as pdf files. These poems are: ‘Form’ by Michael Longley and ‘Nerthus’ by Seamus Heaney.