Gwen_Harwood_Radio_Trascript

Radio transcript Announcer: Today we are delighted to have with us in the studio Gwen Harwood, the renowned Australian poet, acclaimed for her brilliant work throughout the twentieth century. We will be talking to her predominately about her poem “Mother Who Gave Me Life”, which is taught within many schools around the world and brings up many relative themes that also link to many more acknowledged poems. Welcome Gwen, thank you for giving up your afternoon to be here. Harwood: It’s a pleasure, I love to share my thoughts and hear other opinions about my poetry. It broadens my perspective on certain things, which is something I always appreciate. A: That’s always a great quality to have, one of many I’m sure you have. Would you like to give the listeners out there, who may not know you or your background very well, all of which contributed to your body of work. H: Oh absolutely, hoping not to bore anyone with all this (laughs). Well, my story began in 1920, where I was born in Queensland and have very fond memories of my upbringing in Brisbane. It was not until I married in 1945, and moved to Tasmania with my husband William. I started writing in my late thirties after I recognized my deep inner necessity to realise in words the moments that gave my life meaning. My life has not been eventful, but all a poet needs is the long journey from innocence to experience, when memory becomes a powerful conduit into the past; childhood experience held in the sub-conscious able to illuminate adult perceptions. Also my love for music and interest in theology and philosophy are found in many of my poems as I hold them at such high regard in my life’s interest. A: I’m sure everyone out there would agree with me and say that you are a big influence on society and have taught many through your love of poetry. One of your better-known poems “mother who gave me life” has been used through schools and teaching, what were your main reasons behind writing that particular poem' Was there a key point you wanted to portray' H: The poem was addressed to my mother after she died, this form is known as an elegy, which is why there is such a formal tone and traditional poetic structure. Whilst writing about my own mother’s qualities during, I was then drawn to writing about women in general, a familiar line “women bearing women” relates to all females. I also bring up the point of evolutionary change and how mothering persists whilst, perpetuating the species. The concept that I am part of an, ‘unbroken chain of women’ is deeply explored and how wisdom is passed on through each generation. I enjoy interweaving my religious beliefs into the majority of my poems, as I believe there is more after death and like to go into depth about this specific thought and try and share my views. Although I’m very aware of the fact that not every person believes in God and heaven, however this is my opinion on the subject and like to share my perspective. This then brings up theme of death, with obviously my religious philosophy outlining my thoughts of where my mother has gone to and where I will soon be. A: I’m not so sure you will agree on this with me, but many say your poem is very feminist' Do you agree with this' H: well, I have heard that many times, and when people point it out to me I can see where they are coming from. Though it was not my intention initially, I don’t disagree with the attitude towards it. I think my poem represents all females in a good light, and should be commended for all that they do. A few people have written to me with some complaints about women being compared with ‘fabric’ and ‘towels’, which is unconscientiously suggesting a women’s place in the home, and they have their role in society. I have also heard that the line in the final stanza including ‘fathers house’ was suggestive of the fact that men are in control of the household and therefore own the house. Despite all these negatives, I have then read though my poem and tried to find some positives from the feminist perception, I was pleased to find that when ‘darkness’ falls in the last stanza, the father is brought up, which is the only time a male is mentioned. Giving the light to the women. A: I like that (laughs), though moving on as we haven’t got much time left, as you said earlier, you mention the theme of death, I’m aware of a few other poems that include the same theme, such as ‘Father and Child’ and ‘At Mornington’. Would there be any link between the three, or is it just coincidence' H: Well it may be a coincidence that those particular poems have themes, and I’m sure that many others include it as well. Death to me is just so unfamiliar and such an interesting thing to write about, as it instigates a whole new train of thought. The whole idea about death in the three poems stated beforehand changes slightly but the same concept is still underlying. Such as in ‘At Mornington’ the idea of what happens after death is deeply reflected upon, then towards the end all the indecisive thinking leads to clearly knowing that death is not the end at all. Moving onto ‘Father and Child’, for those who don’t know are two poems, flowing off from one another. In the first part ‘Barn Owl’ I focused purely on a child’s view on death, and how innocent and ignorant they are towards the topic. After the child shoots the owl, they soon change, and are no longer oblivious to the ‘clean and final’ act of death, and how ‘obscene’ and raw death can actually be. The second half ‘Nightfall’ is similar to ‘At Mornington’ where the idea is played around with until turning to my religious thoughts that heaven exists, and life is forever. One of my favourite lines is at the end of this poem, ‘like the light on the face on waters’ in context says that all experiences continue to live and go further. A: That’s all great, very eye opening. I cannot begin to thank you for being here today, such an honour to have you here with us. To all those listening that was the wonderful, very inspirational Gwen Harwood, I hope you have all grown a greater understanding of her work and appreciate her that little bit extra. Once again thank you Gwen and good luck for your future endeavours.