Literature: Two Poets: Phillip Larkin and Edward Thomas

Session dates and times:

• Tuesday 31st March, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Tuesday 7th April, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Tuesday 14th April, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Tuesday 21st April, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Tuesday 28th April, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Course tutor:

Mark Crees

This course will take a close look at the work of Phillip Larkin and Edward Thomas. Each week we will focus on two or three poems in detail. We will explore the progression of each poem and the subtle language choices which make these words come to life upon the page. Above all, you will be encouraged to explore your own ideas and hunches about what the poetry means to you.

What will this course cover?

Both Larkin and Thomas manage to convey so much in such few words. Thomas’s poem about Adlestrop, is, in many ways, the most understated yet the most powerful poem to have come out of the First World War. Larkin also managed to write so feelingly about himself, about England, and about life's many disappointments, muddles and revelations.

On this course will take a close look at some of their finest work and see where it takes us. As well as looking closely at the craft of poetry, we will also work on reciting these poems and really listening to them, as if for the first time.

What will I get out of this course?

+ Teaching will be conducted in seminars, so you will have the opportunity to share your own ideas with other students.

+ Other art forms, including recordings of the poems, will be used to compliment discussion.

+ You will learn skills of close reading, picking up on the telling details with which writers manage to convey so much.

+ Each week, you will be given a short quota of reading which will be the focus for the following seminar.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills or experience?

This course is welcome to all levels - you do not need any particular skills or experience, simply an interest in literature and poetry.

What do I need to bring with me?

No equipment is needed but you may wish to bring a pen and notepad to write down your thoughts.

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