History

• What does the poem ”History” explore?

  • Female perspective on history
  • How women are marginalised / sidelined
• What do the first two stanzas in “History” show of women in history?

  “old at last, alone, bones in a bed..”

  Females in history have been ignored, it should be cared about as this elderly woman is incapable of looking after herself.
• Which major events are written about in “History“

  • The crucifixion of Jesus
  • The resurrection of Jesus
  • Beginnings of Roman civilisation
• What does the structure of “History” show about the nature of history?

  Every stanza repeats itself. History repeats itself.
• What are the wars in ”History” become metaphors for?

  History’s (the woman’s) children.

  History is directly linked to destruction and death.
• What does the last stanza of “History” illustrate about female history?

  “…shit wrapped in a newspaper posted onto the floor.“

  Neglected, treated with disgust and contempt.