Carol Ann DuffyPart 4: Literature--A Critical Study

3 main learning outcomes:

1. Explore literary works in detail2. Analyse elements such as theme and the

ethical or moral values of literary texts3. Understand and make appropriate use of

literary terms

Part 4: Literature--A Critical StudyLearning Outcomes

Oral presentation Spider web discussion Grade 12--Individual oral commentary

/Grade 11--Written response OR an individual oral commentary

Assessment

Born 1955 in Glasgow, Scotland Family moved to Stafford, NW England when

Duffy was 6. Traditional, working-class, Catholic family Went to Catholic primary school and finished

education at Stafford High School for Girls Graduated Liverpool University Published first poetry collection in 1985

“Standing Female Nude”. Poet Laureate in 2009

Biography

1960s—1990s Economic boom in Britain “You’ve never had

it so good” De-colonisation--massive increase in

immigration of non-Europeans from former colonies.

Racism became part of British life Britain no longer important world power Period of boom followed by depression in

the 70s

Political and Social Context

1960s--’swinging sixties’ Labour Party came to power 1964. Sexual revolution--introduction of

contraceptive pill, male homosexuality became legal, ‘free love’.

Peace movement--campaign for nuclear disarmament

Political and Social Context

From 1944, schools divided into grammar schools (academic) and secondary modern (vocational)

Comprehensive schools replaced both. Meant to sweep away class divisions

Education

Margaret Thatcher (Conservative) was Prime Minister from 1979-1990.

Anti-feminist Encouraged self-interest Drastically reduced spending on welfare and

NHS Determined to reduce power of unions Gap between rich and poor widened

dramatically Politically divisive

Thatcherism

Began to challenge limitations on women Comprehensive schools offered path to

university and higher education Sexual revolution gave women control of

own fertility 1960s and 70s saw new strength in

Feminist movement. Challenge to patriarchal structure and

attitudes of society

Feminism

Examines established anti-female prejudices in literature and history.

Preoccupied with language and prejudice embedded in linguistic usage

Poems look at areas where women continue to be unequal and exploited--violence against women, especially rape and murder.

The Poetry of Carol Ann Duffy. Deddington, U.K.: Philip Allan Updates, 2005.

Feminism and Carol Ann Duffy

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