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Cover of 'Choosing Tough Words'

'Choosing Tough Words'

Written by Angelica Michelis,Antony Rowland

4.01 rating

228 pages, about 5 hours of reading

Literary Criticism

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About this book

If the post of Poet Laureate was allocated on the basis of popularity, Carol Ann Duffy would have been the first woman to hold this prestigious post. Like Philip Larkin in his day, Duffy is both a poet respected by many academics and teachers, and widely read and enjoyed by children and adult readers of poetry. This is the first full-length collection of essays on the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy, approaching and exploring her work from a variety of literary theoretical perspectives, including feminism, masculinity, national identity, and post-structuralism. This lively anthology situates Duffy's poems in relation to current debates about the state, value and social relevance of contemporary British poetry.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in 'Choosing Tough Words', written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • academic
  • analytical
  • critical

This book is a foundational academic anthology, offering the first comprehensive collection of critical essays on the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy. It brings together diverse literary theoretical perspectives, including feminism, masculinity, national identity, and post-structuralism, to illuminate Duffy's significant contributions to contemporary British poetry. The collection critically examines her work, affirming her dual appeal to both academic scholars and a wide general readership, and situates her poetry within broader debates about the relevance and value of modern verse. It serves as an essential resource for understanding the multifaceted layers of Duffy's poetic artistry and her pivotal role in the literary landscape.

“If the post of Poet Laureate was allocated on the basis of popularity, Carol Ann Duffy would have been the first woman to hold this prestigious post.”

Key themes

Feminism and Gender Identity
Exploration of how Carol Ann Duffy's poetry addresses themes of female experience, gender roles, patriarchal structures, and the construction of feminine identity. Essays analyze her portrayal of women, critiques of societal expectations, and the assertion of female voice, often through the subversion of traditional narratives.
National Identity and Britishness
Analysis of how Duffy's poetry engages with concepts of British identity, historical narratives, cultural landscapes, and the shifting sense of belonging in a multicultural nation. Essays explore her reflections on national memory, patriotism, social commentary, and the complexities of belonging in a contemporary context.
Post-Structuralism and Language
Application of post-structuralist theories to Duffy's poetry, focusing on how her work challenges fixed meanings, explores the instability of language, and engages with intertextuality and the construction of subjective realities. This includes examining her use of irony, parody, and multiple perspectives to deconstruct conventional understandings.

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