Twentieth-century poetry in the mid to late 1980s was characterised, among other things, by the large number ‘of new voices ‘emerging, many ‘of whom were READING CAROL ANN DuFFY’S POETRY ‘One of the most significant features of Carol Ana Duffy's poetry, and one for which she is justly famed, isthe use of the dramatic ‘monologue. Intimately inked to this is her exceptionally acute cer for the voice ofthe people she presents. Another aspect of her poetry isthe strikingly fresh use of imagery. Some of the themes she explores are relationships, sexuality, politics religion, memory, Joss, the effects of time, and the marginalising of women. There is a great deal to he gained from following the trends in the development of her writing. Standing Female Nude, her first collection, clearly sets an agenda, one rooted in what is clearly a “feminist position but a feminism that should not be simplistically interpreted as an anti-male position (see Background: Feminism), “The range of Carol Ann Duffy's poetry is wide, She is able to «engage with important philosophical concerns, write with acute ‘vit and humour, and respond sympathetically o the isolated and oppressed members of society. Hers is a poetry rooted in common experience, but its accessibility belies its complexity and richly allusive nature. While clearly speaking ina highly distinctive modern voice, Carol Ann Duffy is acutely aware ofthe heritage of English, American and European poetry. Her debt to Robert Browning (1812-89 is cleat in her extensive use ofthe dramatic ‘monologue. John Keats (1795-1821) was an ealy intrest and she consciously tried to imitate him asa very young person. His influence isnot immediatly obvious, but her sensualism indicates an affinity with him, Carol Ann Duffy read and admired Geratd Manley Hlopkins (1844-89) for his acute observation and technical mastery. The French poets Arthur Rimbaud (1854-91) and Charles Baudelaire (1821-67) also formed part of her reading. The Englshness of W. H. Auden (1907-73) is very much a the heart of his appeal for Carol Ann Dulas is his versatile use of tational poetic forms. Female poets such as Sylvia Plath (1932-63) and ‘Adrienne Rich (1929-) were read aviely. Sylvia Plath’s extraordinary control of language and use of imagery made a lasting impact while Adrienne Rich's eadicalism offered a challenging example ro Carol Ann Duffy’ own emergent feminist postion. Perhaps the most powerful poetic influence on her work is that of "LS. Eliot. For a more deusled consideration of Carol Ann Diiffy’s For a detailed ‘work in its historical and cultural context, see Background. commentany shout ‘A number of her pocms dea with the limitations, as well asthe a potty, see Nell possibilities, of language. It is hardy surprising that language Roberts enay should bea major preoccupation of a person whose life is devoted ‘Duty Eliot and 10 exploring its potentials, but itis notable that Duffy frequently lmpersonality’in Dene The Poetry of draws attention to its inability to convey what human beings wish to express. There isa constant preoccupation with truth t00. Because of the richness of her writing, the poems offer an” Words’, edited by entertaining, challenging and worthwhile experience forthe reader. ‘Angelica Michels They repay close study and reveal an incisive mind and formidable are Antony poetic talent at work. Rowland, pp. 33-46 (2003). Carol Ann Duty: ‘Choosing Tough