Percy Bysshe Shelley – Ozymandias

Shelley’s poem explores the fleeting nature of power through the image of a ruined statue in the desert. As a Romantic poet, Shelley was deeply critical of tyranny, and Ozymandias serves as a warning about the arrogance of rulers who believe their legacy will last forever. His radical political views shine through in this powerful reflection on the impermanence of human dominance.

William Blake – London

Blake, a visionary poet and artist, presents a grim image of 18th-century London, criticizing the oppression and suffering caused by political and social institutions. His poem, filled with bleak imagery and repetition, captures the sense of entrapment faced by the poor. His ideas align with his broader views on social justice and the corruption of power.

William Wordsworth – Extract from The Prelude 

Wordsworth’s extract from The Prelude explores the overwhelming power of nature as the speaker recalls a childhood experience of rowing a boat. As a key figure in the Romantic movement, Wordsworth often wrote about the relationship between humanity and nature, emphasizing its grandeur and ability to humble mankind.

Robert Browning – My Last Duchess

Browning’s dramatic monologue presents a Duke revealing his possessive and controlling nature regarding his deceased wife. The poem highlights issues of male dominance, power, and manipulation. Browning often explored psychological depth in his poetry, and this work masterfully presents the darker aspects of authority and control.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson – The Charge of the Light Brigade

Tennyson’s poem commemorates the bravery of British soldiers during a disastrous military charge in the Crimean War. As Poet Laureate, Tennyson sought to celebrate patriotic sacrifice, yet his use of repetition and rhythm also hints at the tragedy and futility of war.

Wilfred Owen – Exposure

Owen’s harrowing poem portrays the relentless suffering of soldiers in World War I. Known for his realistic and compassionate war poetry, Owen challenges the glorification of war, highlighting the cruel indifference of nature and the emotional toll on soldiers through his vivid imagery and stark language.

Seamus Heaney – Storm on the Island

Heaney’s poem presents nature as an unstoppable force, using a storm as a metaphor for political unrest in Northern Ireland. Heaney often wrote about Irish identity and conflict, and this poem reflects his ability to find deeper meaning in natural events.

Ted Hughes – Bayonet Charge

Hughes’ poem places the reader in the mind of a soldier running towards battle, capturing the raw fear and confusion of war. Hughes, known for his visceral and intense poetry, brings the battlefield to life through chaotic imagery and powerful language.

Simon Armitage – Remains

Armitage’s contemporary poem focuses on the psychological impact of war, following a soldier haunted by a violent memory. Armitage’s conversational tone and disturbing imagery emphasize the long-term trauma faced by soldiers, reflecting his broader interest in the emotional consequences of conflict.

Jane Weir – Poppies

Weir’s poem explores a mother’s grief and anxiety as she reflects on her son leaving for war. Her use of rich sensory language captures both the tenderness and sorrow of loss. As a poet with an interest in textiles, her imagery often draws on textures and fabrics, adding depth to her portrayal of memory and emotion.

Carol Ann Duffy – War Photographer

Duffy’s poem examines the moral dilemmas faced by war photographers as they document suffering from a distance. As the UK’s first female Poet Laureate, Duffy often explores themes of identity and responsibility, making this poem a powerful commentary on the ethics of war reporting.

Imtiaz Dharker – Tissue

Dharker’s poem uses paper as an extended metaphor for human life and power, suggesting that fragility and impermanence are fundamental aspects of existence. Known for her explorations of cultural identity and change, Dharker’s work encourages readers to reflect on the structures that govern our lives.

Carol Rumens – The Émigrée

Rumens’ poem tells the story of someone forced to leave their homeland, highlighting themes of memory, displacement, and nostalgia. With her background in translation and international literature, Rumens brings a deep sense of longing and loss to her work, resonating with those affected by migration.

John Agard – Checking Out Me History

Agard’s poem challenges the way history is taught, arguing for the recognition of overlooked Black historical figures. His use of Caribbean dialect and rhythmic language asserts a strong cultural identity, reflecting his broader poetic mission to celebrate diversity and challenge colonial narratives.

Beatrice Garland – Kamikaze

Garland’s poem tells the story of a Japanese pilot who chooses not to complete his suicide mission, only to be shunned by his family. Through her exploration of duty, shame, and family ties, Garland offers a poignant reflection on cultural expectations and the cost of war.