Duffy context

Question 1

Poetic style

Answer 1

Duffy frequently uses a first person , dramatic monologue to inhabit the experience of the characters more directly. In poems like Havisham, Captain, Pluto and Stuffed this creates a more intense and direct effect.

Question 2

Language

Answer 2

Duffy uses colloquial language, perhaps even more direct, explicit and taboo. Duffy uses the language of everyday speech but this is perhaps amplified by her use of free verse.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Poems develop from a concrete setting, snatch of dialogue or experience described in vivid detail. More use of vivid symbolic imagery. Examples: the red balloon in Havisham, the hourglass in Pluto, the onion in Valentine

Question 4

Influences

Answer 4

Sylvia Plath (feminist poet) - use of shocking and disturbing imagery. Interrogation of traditional concepts of gender.
Liverpool poets- poetry for the people
Robert Browning- dramatic monologue
T.S Elliot: use of bold striking imagery, settings of a hostile urban landscape, a first person speaker exploring insecurities and hyper-sensitive.

Question 5

Social and cultural factors

Answer 5

1950s/60s upbringing and popular culture: Litany, Captain of the 1964 Top of the Form Team
Catholic upbringing: Litany
Interest in philosophy and exploration of language: the unstable and unfixed meanings of words and playful polysemy, Pluto, Valentine.
Philosophical interest in words not being enough to express emotion (Degrees in philosophy particular interest in semiotics) : Havisham, Disgrace
Feminism:Havisham

Question 6

Subject matter

Answer 6

Life of individuals drawing on experience of growing up in the 1960s and reflections on life in the 70s, 80s and 90s