Ted Hughes Research Paper

Ted Hughes: Context of Life and Literary Career Ted Hughes (1930-1998) was a 20th century contemporary English poet, short story writer, children's book author, dramatist, scriptwriter, editor, critic, essayist, and translator. He was appointed to the honorary position of Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1984 until his death. Considered an all-around man of letters, Ted Hughes is widely regarded as one of the greatest British poets of the second half of the twentieth century. Everything important in Ted's life found it's way into his writings in some shape or form. Ted Hughes' poetry and children's stories symbolize events from his own personal life; therefore, his writings became regarded as autobiographical. It is important to consider where and how young Ted grew up when reading his writings. As Ted Hughes himself stated, “My first six years shaped everything” (Skea). Born and raised in the Yorkshire area, Ted formed a fervent attachment to the natural world around him. His fascination with animals came from retrieving them on hunting expeditions on the Calder Valley moors with older brother Gerald, a gamekeeper. This was described as 'paradise' by Ted in later years. Many readers and critics consider it a binding source for all of his poetic talent and power. The violence in his work, so harsh yet so acceptable

Their time together shaped Ted's imagination forever. However, Ted felt lost and lacking when Gerald permanently emigrated to Australia. Encouraged by family and teachers, Ted became inspired to write poetry and short stories in grammar school. He knew he wanted to be a poet by age sixteen. Several of his works were printed in the school publications. With his two-year service in the Royal Air Force after school came his hunger for reading Shakespeare, which later led to his own eccentric