John Betjeman & Philip Larkin: Two Poets of Everyday Experience

Tuesdays 10.30-12.30 pm

Starts 10th November

(Dr John Florance)

4 Week course £36.00

 

 

Betjeman and Larkin: Two Voices of Modern England

John Betjeman (1906–1984) and Philip Larkin (1922–1985) were friends who greatly admired each other’s work. It has often been suggested that they were remarkably similar poets, and there is certainly some truth in that view. Both drew inspiration from the ordinary experiences of everyday life—a visit to a church, a train journey, an ambulance arriving in a quiet street, or a trip to the hospital.

Yet beneath these similarities lie important differences in tone, outlook and poetic vision. Their public reputations can also be misleading. Larkin was far more than simply a poetic pessimist, while Betjeman’s work extends well beyond the light verse for which he is often remembered.

This course will explore some of their finest poems, examining how each poet responded to the changing world around them and why their work continues to resonate with readers today. By comparing and contrasting their poetry, we will gain a deeper appreciation of two of the most distinctive and insightful voices in twentieth-century literature.

Both enjoyable and thought-provoking, their poetry offers a rich and rewarding exploration of modern life, memory, faith, love and loss.

No previous knowledge is required, and all texts will be provided.