The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy is a collection of poems that retell various historical and mythological stories from the perspectives of women. Each poem gives a voice to a female character, often marginalized or overlooked in the traditional narrative, and offers a fresh and feminist interpretation of their stories. In this summary, we will explore each chapter and provide a real example of a poem from that chapter.
Chapter 1: The World's Wife
The first chapter of the book sets the tone for the rest of the collection. The title poem, "The World's Wife," introduces us to a world where women are the central figures, rather than the background characters. The poem's speaker is the wife of the world, and she sarcastically highlights the fact that despite all the achievements of men, it is women who make the world possible. For example, she says, "it takes more than a good-looking girl / to keep a whole planet in orbit."
Real Example: In the poem "Mrs. Midas," Duffy retells the Greek myth of King Midas from the perspective of his wife. Mrs. Midas is often portrayed as a submissive and unimportant character in the original tale, but in this poem, she becomes the central figure. Through her witty and sardonic voice, we see her frustration with her husband's obsession with wealth and the consequences it has on their relationship. This poem is a prime example of how Duffy gives a voice and agency to the traditionally silenced female characters.
Chapter 2: Little Red-Cap
In this chapter, Duffy takes on the well-known fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood and gives it her own twist. She explores themes of age, power, and sexuality through the eyes of the young girl, Little Red Riding Hood. The poems in this chapter challenge the traditional portrayal of women as weak and in need of protection.
Real Example: "Little Red Cap" is a powerful poem in this chapter, told from the perspective of the wolf. The wolf represents the embodiment of male desire and violence, and in this poem, he attempts to justify his actions by blaming them on the young girl's "bewitching red hood." By giving a voice to the usually silent villain, Duffy challenges the societal belief that women are to blame for male violence and highlights the need for a change in perspective.
Chapter 3: Queen Herod
In this chapter, Duffy plays with the idea of power and how it is often associated with masculinity. Using figures from the Bible, she explores the concept of female rulers and what their lives would be like in a patriarchal society.
Real Example: "Delilah" is a poem that retells the story of Samson and Delilah from the Old Testament. In the original story, Delilah is portrayed as a femme fatale who seduces Samson and betrays him for money. In Duffy's interpretation, Delilah is a brave and cunning woman who chooses to use her sexuality as a weapon against a male-dominated society. In doing so, she challenges the traditional narrative that demonizes women for owning their sexual agency.
Chapter 4: The Devil's Wife
In this chapter, Duffy looks at the devil from a different angle - through the eyes of his wife. The poems in this chapter explore the complexities of relationships, power dynamics, and the societal expectations placed on women.
Real Example: "Mrs. Beast" is a retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast. The poem explores the unspoken struggles of being in a relationship with someone who is perceived as a monster by society. Duffy gives a voice to the beast's wife, who must navigate the expectations of being a good wife to a tyrant. Through her words, we see the hidden depths of the character and the complexities of their relationship.
Chapter 5: Pilate's Wife
The final chapter of the book is centered around stories from the Bible, specifically those involving women who are often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Duffy reimagines these stories and gives a voice to the women who were involved.
Real Example: "The Kray Sisters" is a humorous and modern retelling of the story of Mary and Martha from the Bible. In this poem, Duffy portrays the sisters as two tough and cunning London gangsters, often overlooked in the narrative of the Bible. It challenges the traditional idea of women as meek and submissive, and instead presents them as strong and independent figures.
In conclusion, The World's Wife is a thought-provoking and feminist collection of poems that give a voice and agency to silenced female characters from history and mythology. Through her reimaginings and witty writing, Duffy challenges traditional gender roles and sheds light on the hidden stories of women. Each chapter presents a unique perspective and explores a different aspect of womanhood, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature.
