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Carol Ann Duffy becomes first woman poet laureate in UK
2 mei 2009
“It is a great day for women writers,” said Duffy, who described the laureateship as “tending the flame” of poetry. “It highlights the way that women writers have changed the landscape of literature in this country . . . though I think guys will be pleased as well.”
Ten years ago, she was reportedly ruled out of the laureateship because Tony Blair was concerned about how a gay poet laureate might play in middle England. Tonight a spokesman for Tony Blair denied this had been the case.
Duffy said that Britain had lately “grown up” in its attitude to sexuality. “It is fantastic that I am an openly gay writer [in this role],” she said. She hoped it would demonstrate that homosexuality is “a lovely, ordinary thing”.
Rumours that Duffy was unsure about taking the job were untrue, she said. “The final say went to my 13-year-old daughter. She said, ‘Yes, Mum.’ . . . I didn’t dither.” Duffy added: “I hope after my 10 years are up, there will be another woman laureate, then another, for 300 years.” To read the full article on guardian.co.uk, click here.
At last: 341 years after Charles II named John Dryden the first poet laureate, a woman has been appointed to the most prominent literary position in Britain.
Today, at the University of Manchester's John Rylands library, Carol Ann Duffy was anointed poet laureate by Andy Burnham, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport.“It is a great day for women writers,” said Duffy, who described the laureateship as “tending the flame” of poetry. “It highlights the way that women writers have changed the landscape of literature in this country . . . though I think guys will be pleased as well.”
Ten years ago, she was reportedly ruled out of the laureateship because Tony Blair was concerned about how a gay poet laureate might play in middle England. Tonight a spokesman for Tony Blair denied this had been the case.
Duffy said that Britain had lately “grown up” in its attitude to sexuality. “It is fantastic that I am an openly gay writer [in this role],” she said. She hoped it would demonstrate that homosexuality is “a lovely, ordinary thing”.
Rumours that Duffy was unsure about taking the job were untrue, she said. “The final say went to my 13-year-old daughter. She said, ‘Yes, Mum.’ . . . I didn’t dither.” Duffy added: “I hope after my 10 years are up, there will be another woman laureate, then another, for 300 years.” To read the full article on guardian.co.uk, click here.
Bron: www.guardian.co.uk, 1 May 2009
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