Title - History

• The poem 'History' weaves together the personal history of a day spent at the beach with the global history of contemporary events - This juxtaposition highlights how individual experiences and memories are intertwined with significant historical moments
• The poem 'History' is deeply reflective, contemplating the impact of historical events on personal lives and the environment, allowing readers to consider how past and present events shape our understanding of the World and ourselves
• The poem 'History' uses detailed of the natural environment suggest a broader consideration of "history" as encompassing natural history and how the cycles of nature and the changing tides are all part of a continuous historical process
• In "History" by John Burnside, the theme of personal reflection serves as a powerful lens through which the poet explores the complex interplay between individual experiences and the broader currents of history, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of self-examination on our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present
• The Title 'History' is ambiguous, Burnside actually considers multiple aspects of what could be considered to be "History", with the link between international affairs and one's private and personal past proving to be key as the poem progresses
• The Title 'History' allows Burnside to hint at the interconnectedness of private and public affairs, exploring how the history of one of these things can, in turn, shape the history of another