close reading the poetry of ted hughes and seamus heaney

Join us for a short course studying some of the great poetry of Ted Hughes and Seamus Heaney through close reading.

Two sessions, live online via zoom. Sundays, 24 November and 1 December, 2.00-4.00 pm British Time.

For booking page, click on image below.

Now, to pry into roots, to finger slime,
To stare, big-eyed Narcissus, into some spring
Is beneath all adult dignity. I rhyme
To see myself, to set the darkness echoing.

– Seamus Heaney, ‘Personal Helicon’, 1966

Seamus Heaney and Ted Hughes are two of the most famous twentieth century poets. They were also very great friends. Over the course of a life-long friendship, the pair shared their thoughts and ideas about what good poetry was and sketched what it might become.

Guided by poet and lecturer Dr Mariah Whelan, in these two sessions we will read a selection of poems by Heaney and Hughes. Using close reading strategies, participants will explore how these two award-winning poets mastered ideas of language, form, sound and imagery to produce some of the best poetry written in the English language.

These sessions are suitable for returning students but are also ideal for beginners looking to improve their close reading skills.

Click on image below for booking page.

Comment about a previous poetry course led by Mariah Whelan

'I loved Mariah's sonnet course. I'd definitely take more courses with her and others in the program. She is enthusiastic and knowledgeable and a joy to listen to.'

- Susan Schneider, New York City

Image below: Gary Butterfield, Unsplash.