Punctuation and 'The Devil's Wife'

This (slightly more professional) podcast is a concentration on punctuation in 'The Devil's Wife'. It touches briefly on form and structure, but it's really a heads-up about punctuation, which has such an important part to play in adding meaning to a poem. 'The Devil's Wife' is a masterclass in the mutation of form over several cantos (parts of the poem). Enjoy!

Intertextuality (and 'Mrs Midas')

Intertextuality and 'Mrs Midas'

This is a word that many people in English Literature and cultural studies speak of, but one that is very difficult to explain. Why does one poet quote a line from another poet? Isn't that just copying? Well, no; not really. Listen to this for the reasons why.

How do 'Mrs Darwin' and 'Mrs Icarus' fit in?

'Mrs Darwin' and 'Mrs Icarus' are not the world's greatest poems (dare I suggest?), but they do have textual relationships with the rest of the poems in the book. They are expolred briefly, here.

What about 'Frau Freud'?

Where does the poem 'Frau Freud' fit into all of this? Is it just a joke poem, or does it have anything serious to say about gender relations? Well, you have to decide for yourself, but I'll try to help...

Introduction to Carol Ann Duffy

This is a general introduction to Carol Ann Duffy in general, and The World's Wife in particular. There will also be a discussion of Duffy's favourite poetic techniques. Enjoy. This is designed as an addition to, not a replacement of, your classes with Mr Hopkins.