Poetry - context Flashcards
(11 cards)
Belfast Confetti” (1990) by Ciaran Carson
Set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Carson reflects on the violence and chaos of the conflict.
“No Problem” (1996) by Benjamin Zephaniah
Benjamin Zephaniah is a British poet of Jamaican descent who often writes about social justice issues, particularly those affecting black people. “No Problem” was written in response to the racist stereotypes and violence that were prevalent in British society during the 1990s.
“A Poison Tree” (1794) by William Blake
Written during the Romantic era, Blake critiques societal suppression and hypocrisy prevalent in 18th-century Catholic England.
“Cousin Kate” (1860) by Christina Rossetti
Written in the Victorian era, Rossetti critiques the societal double standards regarding women’s virtue and relationships.
“War Photographer” (1987) by Carole Satyamurti
Written during the late 20th century, the poem addresses the ethical dilemmas faced by war photographers and the disconnection between war-torn realities and distant audiences in the UK.
“The Class Game” (1981) by Mary Casey
The poem addresses the socio-economic disparities and prejudices faced by the working class in a hugely tumultuous time in British politics.
“Half-caste” (1996) by John Agard
Written in the context of racial identity and prejudice, “Half-caste” addresses the derogatory term used to describe mixed-race individuals in a multi-cultural Britain.
“Exposure” (1917) by Wilfred Owen
Set during World War I, Owen vividly depicts the harsh conditions faced by soldiers on the Western Front.
“Catrin” (1978) by Gillian Clarke
Reflecting on the poet’s personal experiences, “Catrin” touches on themes of motherhood and the passage of time.
“Poppies” (2005) by Jane Weir
Commissioned after the Iraq war, Poppies explores the impact of war on families and individuals.
“What Were They Like?” (1967) by Denise Levertov
American poet who was a political activist opposed to the Vietnam War. The poem was in response to the destruction of Vietnamese culture during the war, and the way that American military erased centuries of history and tradition.
