Analysis of Carol Ann Duffy's Poem, Mrs. Midas

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Written by the British poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, “Mrs Midas” is one of the entries in her poetry anthology The World’s Wife. All entries in The World’s Wife satirise a foible of man’s nature, through the means of a well-known figure in history (or mythology). “Mrs Midas” is a female recollection of the social repercussions of her husband’s insolence, greed and stupidity. King Midas is one of the most (in)famous figures in Greek mythology and was best known for his ‘touch of gold’. According to popular Greek mythology, the god of wine and pleasure, Dionysus, offered the king a wish. Foolishly, a rather vain king Midas wished that everything he touched would turn into gold, and this wish was granted . Yet no matter how popular the myth, one of the perspectives rarely considered is that of his wife . Therefore, Carol Ann Duffy presents Midas’s predicament from an entirely new perspective Nevertheless, it does not merely present us with her perspective of the consequences of Midas’s wish: the poet uses a vast range of poetic techniques to convey a multitude of emotions. The poem begins in a domestic setting, with a calm and serene mood, where the persona of the poem is beginning ‘...to unwind’ (line 2). As soon as the poem commences, we encounter a series of poetic techniques used by the poet. The first is personification, as the poet describes the kitchen as having ‘steamy breath’ (line 3). Through immediate use of poetic techniques such as personification, we are instantly helped to conjure up vivid images of the setting, which helps the reader fathom the initial situation (and follow the poem from the beginning). Nonetheless, other poetic techniques are employed from the beginning, too. As the persona of the poem gaze... ... middle of paper ... ...l because in ancient times, the detriments of smoking were unknown, and thus one would see no benefit of giving it up. Also, the ramifications of smoking would be the least of one’s worries if they were in Midas’s position). The incorporated comedy serves a variety of purposes: develops the persona, and perhaps lets us sympathise with her, mitigates the feelings of resentment and anger, and reminds us that the poet’s take on king Midas’s tale shall not follow the normal convention of myths (i.e. placed in ancient times). In conclusion, Carol Ann Duffy adds an intriguing touch to one of Greek mythology’s most celebrated tales. The poetic techniques used enable the reader to sympathise with the eclectic range of emotions/moods presented, and the comedy used presents an entirely different appeal to its reader, making “Mrs Midas” a true touch of gold.

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