‘The Ted Hughesness of Ted Hughes’: The Construction of a ‘Voice’ in Hughes’ Poetry Readings and Recordings

Abstract

When discussing the tradition of poetry reading in Britain, Peter Middleton notes that ‘Poets themselves have rarely reflected upon its importance to them, and no tradition of critical reviewing, nor any systematic recording, has encouraged the growth of critical self-awareness.’¹ Responding to this quotation, this chapter aims to examine the importance of poetry readings to the work of Ted Hughes and to the reception of his poetry. Middleton suggests that the reason for a lack of critical analysis of readings lies in the ‘range of beliefs’ surrounding them, which, like ‘other rituals, may not withstand too much open examination’.² I interrogate these ‘beliefs’ concerning the special status accorded to a poet reading their own work, critiquing the notion that poetry readings give us direct access to the poet’s unmediated experience and subjectivity.