Intelligence Squared Cultural Favourites from the Archives – The Power of Poetry, with Helena Bonham Carter and Jason Isaacs
Dec 30, 2022
Guest
Tom Burke
Guest
Sue Perkins
Guest
Jeanette Winterson
Guest
William Sieghart
Guest
Jason Isaacs
Guest
Helena Bonham Carter
In this engaging discussion, Helena Bonham Carter, an acclaimed actor from the 'Harry Potter' series, and Jason Isaacs, known for his diverse roles, breathe life into classic poetry. They explore poetry's therapeutic effects, likening it to a 'poetry pharmacy' that heals emotional wounds. William Sieghart shares insights from his bestseller, while Jeanette Winterson and Sue Perkins delve into poetry's ability to articulate everyday love and introspection. Tantalizing readings highlight poetry's transformative power in navigating life's complexities.
01:30:17
Maintenance of Love
- Everyday acts of care and maintenance sustain love.
- These seemingly mundane acts are as important as grand gestures.
Making Poetry Engaging
- Incorporate diverse forms of poetry, like rap, into education.
- Teachers should focus on context to make poetry relatable.
Appreciating Poetry
- Approach poems like other art forms, allowing them to unfold with repeated exposure.
- Don't expect immediate understanding; let meaning emerge over time.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Healing Power of Poetry
03:26 • 9min
Finding Solace in Wendell Berry's Poetry
12:39 • 2min
The Transformative Power of Poetry
14:21 • 12min
Everyday Love and Poetic Reflections
26:32 • 16min
The Weight of Accountability in Poetry
42:23 • 3min
The Transformative Power of Poetry
45:24 • 2min
Embracing Poetry and Healing Through Loss
46:55 • 19min
The Power of Poetry
01:06:11 • 12min
Empowering Poetry: Transformative Education
01:18:21 • 10min
The Interconnectedness of Humanity and Community
01:28:01 • 2min
#16285
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Poetry Pharmacy
William Sieghart
The Poetry Pharmacy is a collection of poems curated to offer comfort and solace for various life challenges.
It presents poems addressing a wide range of emotions and experiences, providing readers with relatable and emotionally resonant verses.
The book's unique approach to poetry makes it accessible to a broad audience, regardless of their prior experience with the art form.
It's a comforting and insightful read for those seeking solace and inspiration.
The book's success led to the creation of a sequel and further projects.
#10947
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Jeanette Winterson
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows Jeanette, a young girl raised by a Pentecostal family in England.
As she navigates her adolescence, Jeanette confronts her own desires and the strictures of her community, leading to a journey of self-discovery and exploration of identity.
The novel explores themes of religion, love, and the challenges of growing up different.
#16950
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Love After 50
How to Find It, Enjoy It, and Keep It
Francine Russo
This book provides practical advice on various aspects of dating and relationships after the age of 50.
It includes guidance on recovering from emotional damage, building realistic requirements for a partner, navigating online dating, overcoming physical challenges of sex, evaluating the financial and practical results of different relationship arrangements, and dealing with adult children.
The book is based on interviews with top experts and dozens of couples, and it includes the author's personal experiences and stories of real people who have formed healthy partnerships later in life.
#19256
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Atlas
From the Streets to the Ring
Teddy Atlas
Peter Alson
In 'Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring', Teddy Atlas shares his personal story of transformation from a rebellious son of a doctor to a respected figure in the boxing world.
The book explores his struggles and triumphs, offering insights into his life and career as a trainer and commentator.
Co-authored with Peter Alson, it provides a candid look at Atlas's journey to self-discovery and success.
#26241
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Price
Arthur Miller
The Price is a two-act play by Arthur Miller, exploring the strained relationship between two brothers, Victor and Walter Franz, as they reunite to settle their father's estate.
The play delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of past decisions, all set in the confined space of an old Manhattan brownstone attic.
It was nominated for two Tony Awards and continues to be a powerful exploration of family conflicts and the American Dream.
#6622
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
No man is an island
A Study of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew
James Minchin
This book provides an in-depth analysis of Lee Kuan Yew's life and his role in shaping modern Singapore.
Based on interviews with over seventy politicians and activists, it offers a nuanced view of Lee's successes and failures, including his abuses of power and personal struggles.
The author's unique perspective, gained from his years living in Singapore and his involvement in the community, makes this book a valuable resource for understanding the complex figure of Lee Kuan Yew and the development of Singapore.
#10799
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Peace of Wild Things
Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry's "The Peace of Wild Things" is a contemplative poem that explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition.
The poem uses vivid imagery and a peaceful tone to depict the restorative power of nature.
It suggests that finding solace and peace can be found in observing the natural world and connecting with its rhythms.
The poem's message is both calming and inspiring, encouraging readers to seek comfort and renewal in the beauty of nature.
It's a reminder that even in times of stress and anxiety, there is always the possibility of finding peace and tranquility in the natural world.
#1861
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
The Gift
Hafiz
Daniel Ladinsky
This book presents a stunning collection of Hafiz's most intimate poems, translated and interpreted by Daniel Ladinsky.
It imparts the wonderful qualities of Hafiz as a spiritual teacher, including an audacious love, profound knowledge, wild generosity, and a sweet, playful genius.
The poems explore themes of the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy, and are known for their ability to encourage love, happiness, and a deep spiritual connection.
Although Ladinsky's renderings are not traditional translations but rather modern interpretations, they have been praised for their accessibility and timeless appeal.
#25944
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" is a celebrated poem that celebrates the beauty and strength of Black women.
It uses vivid imagery and confident language to challenge societal norms and uplift self-esteem.
The poem's message of self-acceptance and empowerment has resonated with readers across generations.
Its rhythmic structure and powerful delivery make it a memorable and inspiring piece of literature.
Angelou's work continues to inspire and encourage self-love and acceptance.
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Failing and Flying
Jack Gilbert
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Bedecked
Victoria Riedel
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Voice
Anne Stevenson
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Dog Years
Mark Doty
In *Dog Years*, Mark Doty reflects on the transformative power of love and loyalty that dogs offer.
The memoir intertwines personal narrative with profound insights into the lessons animals impart about life, love, and loss.
Doty captures the joy and vulnerability of dogs, crafting a beautifully unsentimental tribute to the unconditional love they bring to our lives.
#7660
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Essential Rumi
Translations by Coleman Barks
Coleman Barks
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi
This collection of Rumi's poems, translated by Coleman Barks, delves into the spiritual and mystical aspects of Rumi's work.
It includes poems that reflect Rumi's experiences with love, loss, and spiritual growth, particularly his relationship with Shams-e Tabrizi.
The poems are known for their lyrical and accessible language, making Rumi's profound spiritual insights available to a wide audience.
The book highlights Rumi's teachings on the oneness of God, the importance of love, and the transcendence of dualistic thinking.
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Two Cures for Love
Wendy Cope
Two Cures for Love is a compilation of Wendy Cope's poems from 1979 to 2006, showcasing her mastery of light verse and her ability to infuse humor and emotional depth into her work.
The collection includes parodies of famous poets and original pieces that reflect on everyday life and emotions.
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All that is gold does not glitter
J. R. R. Tolkien
J. R. R.
Tolkien's "All that is gold does not glitter" is a verse from his epic poem "The Fellowship of the Ring.
" It encapsulates the themes of hidden strength, resilience, and the deceptive nature of appearances.
The poem's simple yet profound message resonates with readers, reminding them that true value and worth are not always outwardly apparent.
The lines about deep roots and the renewal of what is broken speak to the enduring power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The poem's enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and its ability to inspire and uplift.
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The Mistake
James Fenton
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Celia, Celia
Adrian Mitchell
Continuing our series of cultural highlights from the Intelligence Squared archive, we revisit the event The Power of Poetry, which saw actors Helena Bonham Carter and Jason Isaacs bringing the words of the great poets alive onstage. The event also featured William Sieghart telling the extraordinary story of his bestselling book, The Poetry Pharmacy, award-winning author Jeanette Winterson and presenter, comedian and writer Sue Perkins.
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