Making connections

What is Welsh Retrospective about?

·         Abse’s journeys between London and Cardiff

·         Childhood, family and memory

·         Identity

·         Welsh figures that Abse idolised

·          “Dannie Abse’s Welsh poems in particular sing of the “genuine” (…) – it seems to characterise much of his Wales.” (From the introduction to your edition)

 

Abse poetry should always be used to illuminate Larkin’s poems. This means using Abse to develop a point about Larkin. Always use Abse in comparison:

While Larkin presents women as objects, Abse sees them as more human, for example in his poems to his late wife.

Use the following topics/themes to make initial comparisons. Aim higher by considering technique comparisons as well.

·         Personal environments and places

·         Nature

·         Fathers and sons

·         Past and present

·         Emotional engagement

·         A person’s place in society

·         War

·         Journeys

·         Relationships with women