Understanding Poetry and Its Relevance

The speaker shares their journey into poetry, sparked by reading Ted Hughes in school. They discuss becoming the 21st Poet Laureate and the importance of building on the work of predecessors like Andrew Motion and Carol Ann Duffy. The speaker emphasizes poetry's enduring relevance in a fast-paced world and their commitment to inclusivity, encouraging diverse voices to participate in the poetic dialogue.

What initially sparked the speaker's interest in poetry?

• Reading Shakespeare

• Reading Ted Hughes

• Writing their own poems

• Attending a poetry workshop

What number Poet Laureate does the speaker expect to be?

• 20th

• 21st

• 22nd

• 23rd

Which two poets does the speaker mention as having done significant work in the past two decades?

• Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman

• Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost

• Andrew Motion and Carol Ann Duffy

• William Wordsworth and John Keats

What is the speaker's view on the current relevance of poetry?

• It is outdated and irrelevant

• It is more valuable and necessary than ever

• It is only relevant in academic settings

• It is losing its importance rapidly

What does the speaker believe about the future of poetry in a world full of constant information?

• Poetry will be overshadowed by technology

• Poetry will only be appreciated by a few

• Poetry offers a valuable opportunity

• Poetry will become obsolete

How does the speaker plan to address the changes in society regarding poetry?

• By ignoring societal changes

• By maintaining traditional poetry

• By being part of the conversation and encouraging inclusivity

• By focusing solely on historical poetry

What does the speaker aim to encourage in the poetry community?

• Exclusivity in poetry

• Only established poets

• A rich chorus of diverse voices

• A single dominant voice

What does the speaker mean by 'poetry choir'?

• A traditional poetry reading group

• A literal choir that sings poems

• A metaphor for a diverse group of poetic voices

• A group of poets singing