Jane Thomas

In this discussion on Thomas Hardy's poetry, guests Mark Ford, Jane Thomas, and Tim Armstrong delve into the poet's transition from novels back to poetry, driven by his profound grief for his wife Emma. They explore themes of love, loss, and skepticism in Hardy's work, including the poignant 'Poems of 1912-13' that reflect stages of mourning. The trio highlights Hardy's modern outlook, anti-war sentiments, and how he shaped English literature, influencing modernists while experimenting with vivid language and complex emotions.

Mark Ford, a poet and professor at UCL, Jane Thomas, an emeritus professor at Hull, and Tim Armstrong, a literature professor at Royal Holloway, delve deep into Thomas Hardy's poetic journey. They discuss Hardy's transformation from novelist to dedicated poet after extensive success in fiction. The guests explore the emotional weight of Hardy's 'Poems of 1912 to 13', shaped by the death of his wife, Emma, and how themes of loss and nature permeate his work. Hardy's innovative style contrasts vividly with his contemporary Rupert Brooke, reflecting his unique perspective on war and humanity.

Join Karen O'Brien, Michael Rossington, and Jane Thomas as they explore Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein', a masterpiece born from a ghost story contest. They discuss Shelley's early life, including her feminist influences, and the profound themes of rejection and responsibility threaded throughout the narrative. The trio delves into the complex dynamics of creator and creation, and how ambition leads to isolation. Additionally, they analyze how Shelley's work has influenced literature and film, revealing timeless philosophical questions about humanity.