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Cambridge Poetry Students Analyze This

Notorious partier-songwriter's lyrics compared to 16th Century poem

By Laila Weir,  Newser User

Posted May 27, 2008 2:49 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Stodgy? Never! Cambridge University surprised its English students with an exam requesting literary analysis of Amy Winehouse lyrics last week. Students compared a poem by 16th century poet and ne’er-do-well adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh with Winehouse’s “Love is a Losing Game,” and songs by Bob Dylan and Billie Holiday, reported the Telegraph.

"I wouldn't consider a controversial pop singer a literary figure," declared one student. But another called the question “cool”—“Poetry doesn't have to mean Keats and Byron,” she said, “but there were a lot of surprised people.”

Amy Winehouse arrives at a police station in London, Friday April 25, 2008, to be questioned in connection with an alleged assault that took place in north London.
Amy Winehouse arrives at a police station in London, Friday April 25, 2008, to be questioned in connection with an alleged assault that took place in north London.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Amy Winehouse arrives at a police station in London, April 25, 2008, where she voluntarily appeared to be questioned in connection with an alleged assault.
Amy Winehouse arrives at a police station in London, April 25, 2008, where she voluntarily appeared to be questioned in connection with an alleged assault.   (AP Photo/Anthony Devlin, PA)
Amy Winehouse carries a drink as she arrives at the 2008 Ivor Novello Awards, at Grosvenor House, central London Thursday, May 22, 2008.
Amy Winehouse carries a drink as she arrives at the 2008 Ivor Novello Awards, at Grosvenor House, central London Thursday, May 22, 2008.   (AP Photo)
In this Feb. 20, 2008, file photo, Amy Winehouse performs at the Brit Awards 2008 in London.
In this Feb. 20, 2008, file photo, Amy Winehouse performs at the Brit Awards 2008 in London.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, file)
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Cambridge deserves props for Winehouse question
Telegraph (UK)

 
poetry • Amy Winehouse • English literature • Cambridge University • Sir Walter Raleigh

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