Duffy and Larkin Context and Critics Flashcards

Flashcards on Duffy and Larkin's context and critics, focusing on their lives, influences, and critical reception.

Carol Ann Duffy's Early Life

Born in 1955, grew up in a poor area of Glasgow and then moved to a more affluent area in Stafford.

Duffy's Family Life

Had a comfortable, loving childhood with 4 brothers and a close relationship with her mother.

Duffy's Religious Views

Raised as a Roman Catholic but became an atheist at 15. Saw similarities between poetry and prayers.

Duffy's Education and Career

Graduated with a Philosophy degree in 1977 and worked as a poetry critic and editor.

Duffy as Poet Laureate

Made it clear she became Poet Laureate in 2009 because no woman had previously held the post.

Duffy's Relationships

Lived with Adrian Henri (poet) from age 16 until 1982. Later had a 15-year relationship with Jackie Kay.

Philip Larkin's Early Life

Born in 1922, plagued by poor eyesight and stuttering, leading to solitude.

Larkin's Historical Context

Lived through WWII and the austerity of the 40s and 50s. Yearned for a pre-WWI England.

Larkin's Family and Beliefs

Had loveless parents and a childhood of boredom. Was an atheist terrified of death.

Larkin's Lifestyle and Interests

Lived a frugal life without modern conveniences and admired Jazz for its lack of strict structure.

Larkin's Views on Women

Often critical of women in his letters, though this may not reflect his true feelings.

Larkin's Relationships

Never married but had affairs and always stayed with his mother for Christmas and took her on holiday.

Duffy's Social Commentary

Grew up in a working-class household and expressed anger and frustration related to Thatcherism.

Thatcherism

Associated with greed and selfishness, not concerned with the poor.

Duffy's Influences

Drew influence from Liverpool Beat Poets, Wordsworth, Metaphysical poets, and dramatic monologues.

Larkin's Views on Education and Intellectuals

Rejected students and academics, believing they took poetry from the common man

Larkin's Influences

Influenced by Thomas Hardy and 'The Movement'.

Larkin's Critique of Consumerism

Sees the obsession with purchasing items in the 1960s as evidence of a morally bankrupt society.

Duffy's View on Poetry

Says "Poetry and prayer are very similar."

Larkin's View on Unhappiness

Said, "I think writing about unhappiness is probably the source of my popularity."

Jody Allen-Randolph on Duffy

Suggests Larkin has an optimistic side that Larkin did not.

Larkin on his parents

The relationship between his parents was 'drab', his mother was 'weak' whilst the atmosphere growing up and with his father was 'intimidating'.