The Creative Shed

Three Key Themes in Summer of The Seventeenth Doll by Ray Lawler

Summer of the Seventeenth doll is an iconic Australian play, with some deep themes. Here are three of the key ones. 1. Nostalgia and the Passage of Time: The play is set in the 1950s and centers around a group of characters who reunite annually for the summer season. The doll in the title represents… [Continue Reading]
A Short Analysis of Philip Larkin’s Aubade

Philip Larkin’s poem “Aubade” is a poignant exploration of the fear and existential dread that can accompany the contemplation of death and the awareness of one’s own mortality. The poem takes the form of a morning song, traditionally associated with celebration and hope, but Larkin subverts this expectation by delving into the darker aspects of… [Continue Reading]
Five 1970s Science Fiction Books You May Not Know

We’re addicted to old sci-fi, and thought we’d start trawling round for some lesser known reads from the golden age in this genre. Here’s five worth a look at from the 1970s: “Roadside Picnic” by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky (1972) – This Soviet-era science fiction novel explores the aftermath of an alien visitation known as… [Continue Reading]
The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg: Synopsis

The Man in the Maze is set in a future where humanity has expanded its reach to other planets in the galaxy. Richard Muller, a brilliant scientist and former diplomat, has become a recluse on the planet Lemnos, which is known for its complex and impenetrable maze created by an advanced alien race called the… [Continue Reading]