Lecture on Eavan Boland's Poetry

Introduction

Boland is likely to appear on the paper in June for two reasons:
1. She is a woman.
2. She is Irish.
Consistent pattern of women and Irish poets appearing on past papers.
Nothing is set in stone, but past trends suggest a likelihood.
Poetry question is worth 50 marks. Suggested length: 4 A4 pages (medium writing).
Key elements to focus on in any poetry question: what the poet is writing about (themes/subject matter) and how they are writing about it (imagery, structure, language, techniques).
The third aspect is how they are connected. Precise language often emphasizes themes.

Boland discusses Irish pride and identity.
Daughter of the Irish ambassador to the UK; her background influenced her views.
Not a closed-minded nationalist; emphasizes civic responsibility, humanity, and peace.
Important poems on this theme: "The War Horse," "The Famine Road," "Child of Our Time," "Outside History."
Example from "The War Horse":
- Juxtaposition of death and casualness ("casual Iren of his shoes minting the innocent earth").
- Stamp imagery: irreversible and flippant, hinting at the ease of violence (e.g., shooting a gun).
- Calm tone may criticize desensitization to constant death around.

Dominant themes throughout her poetry.
Example from "Child of Our Time":
- Dramatic opening; marks the death of a child in a 1974 Dublin bombing.
- Personal language ("you have taught me"); unnatural role reversal indicates the unnatural nature of events.
- Emotional simplicity; moves readers deeply.
- Other poems explore more domestic, tender aspects of motherhood.

Uncommon in poetry but frequently present in Boland's work.
Important poems: "This Moment," "White Hawthorn," "The Pomegranate," "The War Horse."
Example from "This Moment":
- Celebrates simple joys, motherhood, nature.
- Simple sentence structure reflects suburban life but includes anticipation and intrigue.
- Imagery and structure underscore themes.

Feminist themes in poems like "The Shadow Doll," "Outside History," "The Famine Road."
Poetry as an elevated and kind discourse on feminism, not revolutionary or aggressive.
Celebrates women, emphasizing they deserve more attention rather than blaming others.
Example from "The Shadow Doll":
- References Victorian-era brides; doll under a glass dome symbolizes hidden anxieties.
- "Quickening" refers to pregnancy, future fears.

Many poems are autobiographical: "Love," "White Hawthorn," "The Pomegranate."
Example from "The Pomegranate":
- Relatable imagery; combines everyday objects with Greek mythology.
- Personal and biblical references (e.g., uncut fruit symbolizes future events).
- Themes of letting go and child growth.