The poetry of T.S. Eliot: Little Gidding

In this final close reading day on the 'Quartets', Eliot completes his famous four-poem meditation on time and place by finding, deep in the English countryside, revelations from history and two kinds of fire.

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Key course information

Date
28/01/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HLT44

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

‘Little Gidding’, the poem which became the fourth and last of T S Eliot’s Four Quartets.

What topics will we cover?

The story of the poem’s composition, the likely influences on Eliot in the writing of it, its structure and content, a line-by-line close reading of each of the poem’s five movements.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Put the poem into context with Eliot’s other writing at around that time,
have an overview of the poem’s place in the Four Quartets sequence,
comment on the symbolic and other references in the poem,
discuss the ways in which Eliot uses the language and craft of poetry to achieve his objectives.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Anyone interested in poetry is welcome. The poem will be explored by creating together a democratic space in which everyone's thoughts and ideas will be welcome and in a way which will make the poem accessible to beginners and more advanced readers of poetry alike. Close reading of the poem will be a key part of this approach. No reading will be needed in advance as the day is designed for you to come to the poem fresh.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

By the provision of background information and of handouts containing the text of the poem, and, then, by a careful reading through the poem which will include plenty of opportunities for discussion in exploring likely and alternative possible meanings.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. You will be provided with a handout to include the full text of the poem.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HLT47 Metaphysical poets: something understood.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.