'Comic Verse of the 19th Century: Power, Politics, Poetics'

A one-day conference on Wednesday 20th July 2022 at Grove House, University of Roehampton, London.

“A servant write verses!” says Madam Du Bloom;

“Pray what is the subject? -- a mop, or a broom?”

(Elizabeth Hands)

Literary critics have increasingly argued for poetics as an especially fecund space for social comedy and criticism. Gillian Beer, for example, demonstrates rhyme as “dialogue, quarrel and undersong…with the helpless excess of possibility that poises it always on the brink of comedy.” As a period in which nonsense, nursery rhyme and light verse flourished, it is clear that the long 19th century took humorous poetry seriously. ‘Humour has justly been regarded as the finest perfection of the poetic genius,’ wrote Carlyle in 1831. That this period was one of eclectic formal experimentation puts its verse and the comic into even more distinctive and exciting relation.

We are delighted to present this one-day conference exploring the rousing and radical partnership between comedy and verse throughout the long 19th century. Speakers include Professor Margaret Higonnet, Professor Margaret Stetz, Professor Brian Maidment, and Dr James Williams.

Delegate Fee £35.00

Student Rate (proof must be sent of student status) £30.00

For the complete programme, please see further information