1. Dr Rose Lucas

2.  We have practised close reading skills across a range of period and styles (or sub-genres) of poetry:  the anonymous ballad,  the sonnet,  the lyric,  Metaphysical poetry  romanticism  imagism  confessional poetry  performance poetry  concrete poetry  song  - from the middle ages to now.

3.  Close reading is the method of reading where we pay close attention to the structural ways in which a poem produces its meaning.  Therefore, we have considered how the following structural or formal elements have operated within the genre of poetry: -imagery - layout - rhyme - rhythm - repetition - assonance/ consonance - enjambment, caesura - formal structure/ free verse - tone

4.  Any interpretation you make of a poem, will always involve a consideration of the inter- relation of form and content/ideas.  As the critic Terry Eagleton puts it, ‘the language of a poem is constitutive of its ideas.’ (How to read a Poem)  While close reading is absolutely essential in any engagement with poetry, it is also a skill which underpins all forms of literary analysis.

5.  Thinking about writing poetry yourself ◦ Inspiration (another text, a circumstance) ◦ The right environment for writing ◦ Revision (yourself and others)  Encouraging others to write ◦ Poetry as a class activity ◦ Enough understanding of the genre to enable you to use it

6.  A conducive space to write  Decision re a notebook, a computer – but not odd pieces of paper  An idea or a feeling  Another work of art – a poem, a painting etc  Perhaps a phrase or an image that has caught your attention  A willingness to pay attention to something, to be immersed and to look closely

7.  A willingness to experiment – with a flow of thought as well as different modes of writing  Don’t get caught in always writing your poems the same way  Initially, aim for a kind of almost automatic or uncensored writing, that might allow some of the deeper currents of your thinking and feeling to emerge  Always be prepared to revise –and revise – and revise -

8.  Keep READING as many other poets/examples of poetry as you can – this opens your eyes to other styles of writing, other ideas for topics  Expose yourself to events/places that might inspire – an art exhibition, a weekend in the country, sitting outside in the sun  Schedule dedicated quiet times for thinking/writing/revising

9.  First, think of an image and describe it as clearly as a photograph (don’t worry about ‘making poetry’ at this point). At her feet, we played unknowingly in autumn light, faded now to tattered squares of black and white; Moving from sink to stove she murmured quietly, singing us like errant butterflies around the table, its glowing red formica heart still pulsing in my own. ◦ Describe a memory of your childhood kitchen

10.  Then think about the light in the image; what is the source of the light? What is its colour? What other ideas/things does the light evoke? What words can you use to describe the light?  What sounds might there be in/around your image -either coming from it, or somehow triggered by it? How would you describe these sounds?

11.  Feelings: What does this image make you feel? (Don’t try to isolate this to one feeling; be open to the swirl of feelings)  How can you best write about/describe such feelings?  Think of an image which will help you (eg. ‘the rage of storm,’ ‘the masts of the boats tinkling like tea-cups.’

12.  Are there questions or uncertainties which remain as you think about/study this image? It’s often these spaces – aporia – which can be the most productive, and help you to really open up your response to something.  Many powerful poems pivot on such aporia.

13.  Once you have some writing, or even fragments, about your image/idea, start to think about how a layout on the page might help you to organize them, and to highlight or emphasis certain words or elements.  Remember, punctuation is a tool of communication and expression  Let air and space inhabit your words – don’t be afraid to leave the poem ‘open’

14.  1895  Emotions ?  Associations?  Images?

15.  1899  Emotions ?  Associations?  Images?

17.  1990  Emotions ?  Associations?  Images?

18.  1945  Emotions ?  Associations?  Images?

19.  Your long essay is due this Friday May 23 by 4pm. Please discuss with your tutor where they wold like you to submit it. Those on education placement may need to submit it electronically – with a signed cover sheet.  Work that is late without adequate discussion/documentation will be penalised.  If you would like to receive comments on your essay, please submit it with a stamped, self- addressed envelope and we will return it to you