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In the realm of Carol Ann Duffy's poetry, the persona in "Mrs Aesop" emerges as a sharp and assertive figure, contrasting with the personas in previous poems. This dramatic role reversal positions her as the narrative authority, challenging her husband's linguistic prowess. Initially expressing exasperation, she condescends to him, highlighting the pain of enduring his stories: 'he could bore for Purgatory.' Portrayed as intelligent, she wields language as both a shield and a weapon against her husband.
The strategic use of italics in the poem serves to patronize her husband, rendering his words seemingly nonsensical: 'Dead men, Mrs Aesop...
tell no tales.' Employing clichés, she mocks and controls his fables, reshaping them in a sharp and concise manner, unlike his ramblings: 'bird in his hand... two worth less in the bush.' The utilization of clichés becomes a tool for her triumph, evident in the declaration, 'I laughed last, longest,' symbolizing a transfer of power from male to female.
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Her speech constructions infuse humor, ridiculing his stories and, by extension, his entire persona.
Unlike personas in previous poems, "Mrs Aesop" exhibits no sense of loss or love for her husband. Instead, she relishes in proselytizing, the dramatic persona created with the intent to "punish" Aesop for saturating language with clichés. The bitterness in her account is palpable, with the fable almost spat out, emphasizing her contempt: 'slow but certain, Mrs Aesop, wins the race.
Asshole.' The use of italics unequivocally conveys her disdain, with the solitary word 'Asshole' encapsulating her opinion.
The irony lies in her crafting her own fable, direct and devoid of the metaphorical complexity found in Mr. Aesop's narratives. Duffy's poems employ various devices to infuse humor and "subvert and tease the way we think about myths." In "Mrs Aesop," the language is sharp and unyielding, with physical belittlement, such as describing him as 'small,' and ridicule of his attempts to impress. Similes and assonance enhance the desired feelings, portraying his stories as 'slow as marriage' and 'story droned on.'
Duffy masterfully singles out words like 'Tedious' and 'Asshole,' summarizing her attitude. Aesop is painted as a cautious and unadventurous man, 'look... then leap.' The poem's style, characterized by the persona's quick, witty remarks, consistently undermines her husband, creating a humorous tone.
The inclusion of the husband's secondary voice contrasts sharply with the persona's, portraying him as uninspiring and self-absorbed. He sees himself as wise, yet she skillfully exposes him as a fool: 'Donkeys would... prefer to be lions.' The poem's structure comprises short phrases and questions, featuring a repetition of clichés that heightens her frustration. Humor is infused through enjambment, as seen in 'sex was diabolical,' presenting the idea in a humorous light. Her inversion of his mythical stance requires no interpretation, solidifying her narrative authority.
Similarly, in the poem "Mrs Midas," the spouse is depicted as a fool, exploring the failure to consider the self in relation to the other within a relationship. The domestic setting is established early on, creating a contrast with the myth and injecting humor into the narrative. The conversational tone, marked by 'I'd just poured a glass of wine,' initially provides a false sense of security, setting the stage for the unusual events that follow.
The personification of the kitchen, 'filled with the smell of itself... relaxed,' reinforces the familiarity, contrasting with sensual imagery like 'blanching the windows' and 'my fingers wiped the other's glass.' Narrative progression is evident through phrases like 'Now the garden was long... visibility poor,' signaling a growing distance between them. Ominous language, such as 'dark of the ground,' introduces feelings of unease, creating vivid imagery of death and burial.
The poem's pace slows down significantly with the spotlighted word 'plucked,' signifying the gradual realization and shock of what she is witnessing. The exploration of self-awareness within the context of a relationship adds depth to the poem, highlighting the consequences of failing to consider the impact of one's actions on the other.
Carol Ann Duffy's skillful use of dramatic personae, language, and structural elements in "Mrs Aesop" and "Mrs Midas" creates narratives that humorously subvert traditional myths and challenge societal norms. The personas' sharp wit and the strategic manipulation of language serve not only to entertain but also to provoke contemplation on the dynamics of power and relationships. Through these poems, Duffy invites readers to reconsider established narratives and embrace a more nuanced understanding of human connections.
Subverting Myths: Wit and Power in Duffy's Poems. (2020, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/contemporary-feminist-character-in-a-poem-mrs-aesop-essay
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