E E Cummings and Stevie Smith

Come and join an introduction and exploration of the poetry of E E Cummings and Stevie Smith. We will read, discuss and enjoy a selection of their poetry and consider how the poets shape our responses.

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  • Start Date: 16 Jan 2027
    End Date: 16 Jan 2027
    Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 13:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: HLT45
    Tutors:  Laurie Smith
    Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £31.00 Concession £25.00
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In stock
SKU
247302
Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £31.00 Concession £25.00

What is the course about?

We will read, discuss and enjoy a selection of poetry by E E Cummings and Stevie Smith. Two of the 20th century’s most original poets, they developed new off-beat ways of writing about the feelings they experienced. We will explore the ways these poets shape our response through imagery, structure, form, rhyme, rhythm and tone.

What will we cover?

We will look at how E E Cummings developed a style that appears whimsical but is underpinned by careful considerations of craft. We will also look at how Stevie Smith created a zany, sometimes surrealist style of poetry, often illustrated with Edward Lear-like drawings, but sometimes expressing strong underlying emotion, as in Not waving but drowning.


What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Understand the use of metaphor / simile/ alliteration in poetry.
  • Discuss the role of rhyme and rhythm in poetry.
  • Read and discuss poetry with greater confidence.

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

This is an introductory course. No previous knowledge or experience of literature is necessary. However, you will ideally have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing poems, and for sharing the responses of other students.

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

You will be taught by tutor explanation and group discussion.

You will be sent the poems by email several days before the course so you can decide if you would like to read one to the class. Beyond this, there is no preparatory work.

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

There are no other costs. Copies of the poems and other materials will be provided electronically beforehand and on paper at the session. It is helpful to bring a pen.

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

Look for other Poetry courses in our Literature programme at Culture, History and Humanities/Literature/Poetry at www.citylit.ac.uk.

Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith has taught poetry writing and literature courses at the City Lit for some years, focussing on modernism and writers' radicalism. He researches and lectures at King's College London, helped to found Magma poetry magazine which he sometimes edits and has been a Trustee of the Poetry Society.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.