Tony Harrison: Painkillers I, II

Length / Form 16 line sonnets

Relationship to Classical text Whilst the poet tries to figure out the Latin and Greek roots of the names of medicaments at the chemist’s, a man reminiscent of his father struggles to pronounce them.

Comment Harrison’s poems repeatedly portray his classical education as an influence which cuts him off from the experiences and understandings of his family.

Note Grouped under the ‘Two’ sequence of poems.