Lecture Notes on Paula Meehan's Poetry

Overview

• Paula Meehan: Irish poet born in 1955
• Grew up in Dublin's north inner city
• Influenced by social justice, strong familial themes, memory, and identity
• Notable roles: Ireland Professor of Poetry (2013-2016)

Key Themes in Meehan's Poetry

Social Justice

• Gives voice to the voiceless
• Poems explore societal failures (e.g. "Prayer for the Children of Longing", "The Statue of the Virgin at Granard Speaks")
• Highlights poverty and social division

Role of Women

• Features strong, resilient women
• Critiques societal expectations on women
• Examples: "Cora, Auntie", "Buying Winkles"

Memory and Reflection

• Blends childhood and adult perspectives
• Examines transformative life events
• Poems like "The Exact Moment I Became a Poet" reflect on personal growth

Religion and Nature

• Critiques traditional religious views
• Nature as a source of spirituality
• Example: "My Father Perceived as a Vision of St. Francis"

Style

• Strong sense of place with references to specific locations
• Accessible language with direct speech and idioms
• Evocative imagery and use of humour

Analysis of Selected Poems

"Buying Winkles"

• Themes of childhood innocence and gender roles
• Detailed sensory imagery
• Idea of poverty and social divisions

"The Pattern"

• Explores mother-daughter relationship
• Symbolic use of sewing and patterns
• Examines gender roles and societal expectations

"The Statue of the Virgin at Granard Speaks"

• Critiques religious repression and societal neglect
• The statue's perspective on human suffering and desire for freedom

"Cora Auntie"

• Celebrates the strong spirit of women
• Explores themes of emigration and familial bonds

"Prayer for the Children of Longing"

• Written for a community event
• Themes of community, loss, and remembrance
• Contrasts peace of nature with urban struggles

"My Father Perceived as a Vision of St. Francis"

• Personal memory of father, merging everyday with saintly imagery
• Relationship and familial love

Examination and Essay Writing Tips

• Understand key themes and styles of Meehan’s poetry
• Prepare to discuss themes and techniques with specific examples
• Organize essays to show thematic progression
• Use textual evidence to support arguments

Sample Questions

• Discuss Meehan’s exploration of public and private issues
• Analyze her use of language to transform personal observations
• Examine her depiction of social justice and memory

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Pre-Reading and Additional Tasks

• Reflect on personal experiences related to the themes in Meehan's poetry
• Consider historical and cultural contexts, such as the Easter Rising
• Engage with related literary works or themes for broader analysis