THREE VOICES, ONE MOVEMENT. A STUDY OF THE LIVERPOOL POETS’ CONTRIBUTION TO CONTEMPORARY VERSE

Abstract

This article explores the ideological and aesthetic views reflected in the works of the three prominent Liverpool poets — Adrian Henri, Roger McGough, and Brian Patten. As key representatives of the Liverpool poetry movement, these poets bridged the gap between popular culture and literary art, blending wit, emotion, and intellectual reflection in their poetry. The study analyzes the cognitive and emotional layers of their poetic expression, paying special attention to themes such as love, memory, urban life, social issues, and the human condition. By drawing from their selected works, the article reveals how each poet uniquely balances personal voice with broader societal commentary while maintaining a shared poetic identity rooted in post-war British culture. The discussion also highlights the accessibility and musicality of their verse, demonstrating how their stylistic and thematic innovations contributed to shaping contemporary English poetry.