Meaning: Roger McGough, a renowned British poet, expresses in this quote his desire for poetry to have a profound impact on people, to touch their souls and make them feel better for having experienced it. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of poetry as a medium for emotional connection, empathy, and shared human experiences.

McGough's aspiration for his poetry readings to leave people feeling better is rooted in the belief that poetry has the power to evoke a range of emotions and to offer solace, understanding, and moments of reflection. He emphasizes that the content of his poetry is not meant to entertain in the same way as a comedy performance, but rather to address deeply personal and universal themes such as loss, grief, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. By delving into these profound and relatable subjects, McGough aims to create a space where audiences can engage with their own emotions and find comfort in the shared experiences that poetry can illuminate.

The mention of "talking about your father dying or having young children" highlights the deeply personal and emotionally charged nature of the topics that McGough explores in his poetry. By addressing these themes, he seeks to connect with his audience on a visceral level, eliciting empathy and understanding through the power of shared human experiences. Whether it is the pain of loss or the joys of parenthood, these are universal experiences that have the potential to resonate deeply with listeners, fostering a sense of emotional connection and empathy.

In essence, McGough's quote underscores the transformative and healing potential of poetry. By delving into the complexities of life and human emotions, poetry has the capacity to provide solace, insight, and a sense of shared humanity. Through his poetry readings, McGough aims to create an environment where people can confront and contemplate the profound aspects of their own lives, ultimately leaving them feeling enriched and uplifted by the experience.

In the context of literary theory, McGough's approach aligns with the idea of poetry as a form of catharsis, a concept that dates back to Aristotle's "Poetics." According to this theory, the emotional release and purification experienced by audiences when engaging with literature, particularly tragedy, can lead to a sense of emotional renewal and heightened understanding of the human condition. In this light, McGough's desire for his poetry readings to leave people feeling better can be seen as an embodiment of the cathartic potential of poetry, as he seeks to create a space for emotional engagement and reflection that resonates with his audience on a profound level.

In conclusion, Roger McGough's quote encapsulates his aspiration for poetry to serve as a source of emotional connection, empathy, and solace. By addressing deeply personal and universal themes, he aims to create a space where audiences can engage with their own emotions and find comfort in the shared experiences that poetry illuminates. Through this approach, McGough seeks to leave his listeners feeling enriched and uplifted, underscoring the transformative and healing potential of poetry as a medium for connecting with the profound aspects of the human experience.