Tasks for poems
Read the poems "X" (p. 306) and "Last Snowman" (p. 307), and then study the analysis "Analysing the Poems" (p. 308). Use what you have learned when analysing the poem "The Housing Poem" on p. 313.
Discussing a poem and what it is about is not as daunting a task as some students fear. To understand the meaning of a poem you have to be patient and read it carefully many times. Don't make your mind up too quickly and be prepared to change your mind when the poem reveals more of itself to you under analysis. When you write about a poem you should also point out your personal response.
Interview: Imtiaz Dharker
Imtiaz Dharker talks to DESIblitz.
Interview: Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage talks about the business of writing poems and the inspirations that drive him to commit his ideas to paper.
Links
-
Imtiaz Dharker: official website
(imtiazdharker.com) -
Imtiaz Dharker: Poetry Archive
(poetryarchive.org) -
Simon Armitage: official website
(http:// ) -
Simon Armitage: Poetry Archive
(poetryarchive.org)