In the realm of 21st Century British poetry, Helen Mort stands as a unique and compelling voice. As a British poet born in Sheffield in 1985, Mort has developed a reputation for writing that is emotionally honest, formally inventive, and socially conscious. Her works encompass a broad spectrum of human experiences, from personal identity and the female body to class, place, and history. Mort is not only a poet but also a novelist, academic, and public speaker, enriching her literary output with intellectual and cultural insights.
This article explores the career and contributions of Helen Mort, examining her poetry in the context of contemporary British poetry. Comparisons will be drawn with other 21st Century British poets such as Alice Oswald, Daljit Nagra, and Simon Armitage to provide a deeper understanding of her role and influence.
Helen Mort
Helen Mort was born in Sheffield, a city in South Yorkshire known for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Her upbringing in this region deeply informs her poetic sensibilities. Mort’s connection to the northern landscape and working-class identity is a recurring theme in her poetry.
She began writing poetry at an early age and won several youth poetry competitions, which encouraged her to pursue the art form seriously. Mort studied at Cambridge University and later completed a Ph.D. at Sheffield Hallam University, focusing on the intersections between poetry and place. These academic experiences shaped her intellectual approach to poetry.
Literary Debut and First Collections
Mort’s first major collection, Division Street (2013), marked a significant moment in British poetry. The book was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Costa Book Awards. In this collection, Mort combines personal narratives with historical events, especially those related to the 1984-85 miners’ strike, which had a profound impact on South Yorkshire. Through vivid imagery and emotional resonance, she explores conflict, memory, and community.
Her second collection, No Map Could Show Them (2016), shifts focus to women in the landscape, especially women climbers and mountaineers. Mort juxtaposes the experiences of historical figures like Gwen Moffat with her own, revealing the gendered dimensions of physical space and adventure. This feminist turn was praised for its originality and courage.
Poetic Style and Themes
Helen Mort’s poetry is known for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. She frequently employs simple clauses and accessible language, yet her work remains rich in metaphor and nuance. Her poems are lyrical but grounded in real-world experiences.
Some recurring themes in Mort’s work include:
Place and Identity: Her work often explores the relationship between individuals and their environments.
Feminism and the Female Body: Mort is a strong advocate for women’s rights, and her poetry often addresses issues like autonomy, motherhood, and physical endurance.
Class and History: With roots in a working-class background, she often writes about economic disparity and social change.
Nature and Adventure: From mountaineering to motherhood, she uses natural imagery to explore internal landscapes.
Comparison with Other 21st Century British Poets
To understand Helen Mort’s place within the broader framework of 21st Century British poetry, it is useful to compare her with several contemporaries:
Alice Oswald
Alice Oswald, born in 1966, is one of the most celebrated voices in British poetry today. Like Mort, Oswald draws heavily from the natural world. However, while Oswald often leans toward myth and epic traditions, Mort’s approach is more grounded in autobiography and history. Both poets share a lyrical style and a commitment to exploring the human relationship with the environment, but Mort brings a distinctly feminist and urban lens to her landscapes.
Daljit Nagra
Daljit Nagra, a British poet of Indian descent, explores themes of identity, language, and diaspora. His work is characterized by code-switching, satire, and linguistic play. In contrast, Mort’s language is more straightforward, yet no less impactful. Both poets are interested in how personal and collective identities are shaped by culture and place, but they differ in their cultural referents and stylistic choices.
Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage, the current UK Poet Laureate, is often seen as a mentor figure in British poetry. His work also centers around the northern English experience, much like Mort’s. Armitage’s influence can be seen in Mort’s attention to regional identity and everyday language. However, Mort’s work tends to be more focused on female perspectives and bodily experiences, offering a complementary but distinct voice in 21st Century British poetry.
Beyond Poetry: Novels and Academic Work
In addition to her poetry, Helen Mort has written novels and academic essays. Her debut novel, Black Car Burning (2019), explores relationships, rock climbing, and urban life in Sheffield. Like her poetry, the novel deals with themes of trust, endurance, and the body’s limits. The narrative style is fragmented yet poetic, reflecting her lyrical roots.
Mort is also involved in academic research. Her interests include poetry and neuroscience, landscape writing, and the poetics of motherhood. She has held several academic posts and contributes regularly to public discussions on literature and society. This cross-disciplinary engagement enriches her poetry, giving it intellectual depth and contemporary relevance.
Feminism and Public Engagement
Helen Mort is an outspoken feminist. She uses her platform to advocate for gender equality, particularly in the arts and outdoor sports. Her poetry challenges stereotypes and addresses the invisibility of women’s achievements, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like mountaineering.
She has been active in public poetry projects and has performed at various festivals and cultural events. Mort believes in the democratization of poetry and often conducts workshops and readings in schools, libraries, and community centers.
Her collection The Illustrated Woman (2022) focuses heavily on the female body and its representation. It includes poems about tattoos, motherhood, and medical experiences. This work was lauded for its bravery and emotional resonance.
Helen Mort’s Place in 21st Century British Poetry
Helen Mort represents a new wave of British poets who are redefining what poetry can do and whom it can speak for. As a 21st Century British poet, she combines tradition and innovation, personal and political, lyrical and narrative forms. Her voice is distinctly northern, distinctly female, and distinctly modern.
In the broader landscape of British poetry, Mort’s contributions are significant because she brings attention to underrepresented experiences. Her work helps broaden the scope of British poetry, making it more inclusive and socially engaged.
Awards and Recognition
Helen Mort has received numerous awards throughout her career:
Eric Gregory Award (2007)
Foyle Young Poet of the Year (twice)
T.S. Eliot Prize (shortlisted)
Costa Book Awards (shortlisted)
Manchester Poetry Prize (winner)
These accolades confirm her status as a leading figure in contemporary British poetry.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Helen Mort for her technical skill, emotional honesty, and thematic boldness. Her ability to combine personal narrative with larger social issues has been noted as one of her strengths. She has been reviewed favorably in major literary outlets and is considered one of the most promising voices in 21st Century British poetry.
However, some critics have also pointed out that her work, while emotionally resonant, sometimes leans heavily on autobiographical elements. Others see this as a strength, noting that her personal voice adds authenticity and relatability to her poems.
Conclusion
Helen Mort is a powerful voice in 21st Century British poetry. Her work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, social justice, and poetic craft. As a British poet, she captures the complexities of modern life while maintaining a connection to historical and regional roots. Her poetry is accessible yet profound, making her one of the most significant poets of her generation.
By combining the lyrical with the political, the personal with the universal, Helen Mort has secured a place in the canon of British poetry. Her influence will continue to grow as more readers and scholars engage with her multifaceted body of work. As the landscape of British poetry continues to evolve, Helen Mort stands as a testament to its enduring power and relevance.
