The Wade Deacon English Department Podcast

A Wife in London by Thomas Hardy

When the British army entered the Boer War in 1899, they believed it would be over quickly with a minimal loss of life - however, this was far from reality. In this podcast, Ms Rooney discusses Thomas Hardy's melancholy portrayal of a woman left devastated by the death of her husband in that shocking conflict.

The Manhunt by Simon Armitage

Typically, war poetry focuses on the bravery and suffering of soldiers - but what about those who are left behind? Ms Ashton takes a look at Simon Armitage's fractured portrayal of a relationship ripped apart by the harrowing effects of conflict. 

London by William Blake

We now know London as our cosmopolitan capital city, but that wasn't always the case. During a period called the industrial revolution in the 1700s, London grew and transformed exponentially. In this podcast, Ms Bray examines William Blake's scathing critique of the city's morality during this pivotal time. 

Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen

Typically, World War I soldiers were portrayed as brave, resilient men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country. But what of the other side of war: the darker, more tragic side? In this podcast, Ms Rouski explores Wilfred Owen's depiction of wartime horror, anguish and regret.

Afternoons by Philip Larkin

As the leaves fall in ones and twos, Ms Ward takes a look around the bustling playground that Larkin describes in his melancholy poem and considers the way marriage and modern life sweep in like the winds of change as children grow into adults. 

Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy

The word 'valentine' usually conjures up images of romance and happiness, but all is not as it seems in this dark and mysterious poem by Carol Ann Duffy. Ms O'Malley looks into the murky depths of Duffy's biting analysis of an unconventional relationship.

Hawk Roosting by Ted Hughes

Have you ever heard a hawk being interviewed by a news journalist? Neither had we, until Mr Buxton pulled some strings and arranged an exclusive interview with the eponymous hawk from Ted Hughes's poem.

Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelly

Ms Griffiths takes a trip back to Ancient Egypt through Percy Bysshe Shelley's portrayal of the crumbling statue of a formerly feared Pharaoh. 

Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Ms Barker explores Elizabeth Barrett Browning's expression of her pure and undying love for fellow poet Robert Browning.

Cozy Apologia by Rita Dove

Ms Noone delves into Rita Dove's exploration of happiness and contentment, set against the backdrop of the real life 1999 disaster of Hurricane Floyd.