A range of initial ideas, explored through a feminist perspective, surrounding several of the poems from Duffy’s ‘The World’s Wife’ collection.
These notes are supported by:
AQA. (2015) A-Level English Literature B (7177) Critical Anthology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Duff...
Her use of controversial language makes the poems accessible to all.
Modern reference to the context. This has been done to portray ill-treatment in
different contexts and the way it has shaped the present.
In media res.
This poetry collection examines different aspects of Western culture.
‘Switched its focus from attacking male versions of the world to exploring the nature
of the female world and outlook, and reconstructing the lost or suppressed records
of female experience.’ (CA, page 30)
Stories, historical events, myths from a woman’s perspective
Gives women who were previously obscured in a male shadow, the chance to have a
voice.
Instead of women being the peripheral figures, they become central characters.
In ‘Mrs Beast’, Duffy recognises women of the past, without a voice.
Critiques: dominant male within a heterosexual relationship, masculinity.
Queen Kong and Mrs Beast appear to have power within the relationship.
‘Finds a relationship between sex and power’ (CA, page 29)
‘The private and public cannot be seen as wholly separate’ (CA, page 29)
In ‘Mrs Beast’, all of the historical women mentioned were associated with beauty
and power, connecting sexual appeal with power.
‘Woman’s movement has always been crucially concerned with books and literature’
(CA, page 30)
Instead of focusing on their physical appearance, Duffy focuses on their intellect.
In ‘Little Red Cap’, the girl is attracted to intellect- whilst the wolf sleeps, she
explores his lair and uses him as an educational opportunity.
Mrs Beast also appears to be educated and successful.
Artistic expression is the personal agency which empowers.
‘Female independence (in the seductress and the shrew) gets a strongly negative
connotation’ (CA, page 29)
Men are usually portrayed as the ones who seduce.
Carol Ann Duffy encourages independence.
Independence is shown in Pope Joan- her partner is not named. This shows she
gained her position through her hard work (not dependent on a male).
Red Cap manages to escape the woods without the help of a male.
In ‘Mrs Beast’, emphasis is placed on her independence (e.g. financially).
Women’s choice over what they do with their bodies and their lives.
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