1. CONTEMPORARY BRITISH By: Adrian Martinez Cheyenne Landers Stephanie Pinedo Sky Intasen

2. Introduction

3. Overview  Contemporary British literature is going on right now.  Since contemporary poetry is dated, it is easier to comprehend and enjoy.  Characteristics/ events: competition, challenges, space race, Cold War.

4. Media  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4NCPlm7GBk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4NCPlm7GBk

5. Simon Armitage  Born in 1963 (still alive)  Studied Geography at Portsmouth University  His popularity helps shape contemporary British poetry  Has received multiple awards for poetry  Poem called “Poem”:  About a two faced man  Relates to how quickly society has changed

6. Seamus Heaney  Born on April 1939  Started to get attention to his poems in the 60s  He met his wife through his writing career.  Poem called “The Human Chain”:  About Inheritance

7. Ted Hughes  Born in 1930  Had three wives  He left his first wife, she committed suicide with their child.  His second wife also killed herself.  Poem called “To Paint A Water-lily”  Describes that both his wives thought the same apparently  Also talks about space race and battles in Korea and Vietnam

8. Simon Armitage  Named Millennium Poem in 1999 and wrote 1000 line poem  He is a vice president of the poetry society  Has written over 12 TV films, multiple novels, and many long, popular poems  Poem called “I Am Very Bothered”  About a boy bragging for a girls attention  Relates to the USA challenging the USSR to a “space race” and Cold War.

9. Closing Thoughts  Contemporary British writing affects modern culture in England.  Since it has been taking place since the 20 th century, the cold war had greatly influenced some of the poetry.  The poetry can help explain some important historical events of the 20 th and 21 st centuries.