Common methods Duffy uses.
- Asyndetic listing.
- Conceit ie. extended metaphors.
- Cross-rhyme.
- Italics to represent male voice.
- Coloquial language.
Significance of Duffy naming athology “Gospels.”
- Refers to 4 books in bible written by men: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
- Retelling female experience from woman’s perspective.
- Subverting traditional male telling of history + society.
When was “Feminine Gospels” published?
- 2002
Duffy life context.
- First FEMALE poet laureate.
- Has daughter, who she writes about in anthology.
- Had relationships with writers.
- Lesbian
- Alongside feminist contemporaries: Angela Carter, Jeanatte Winterson–> helped to reshape literary perception of women.
What did Duffy say about use of “gospel truth” in anthology?
- “Gospels are tall stories told as truth… these poems were about finding truth about female issues with tall stories.”
“Tall stories” –> difficult to believe because of impossible events.
How does Duffy refer to her use of language in poetry?
- Suggests is uses “ordinary language in complicated ways.”
- Wordsowth + Coldride use “ordinary languae of men.”
- Duffy using “ordinary language of men and women” - not ostracising women as they were in history.
What language does Duffy mimic throughout anthology?
- Metaphysical poets ie. w/ her use of conceit.
How did “Feinstein” (critic) speak of “Feminine Gospels?”
- Described tone as both “dark and humorous” - humour = conceit/ colloquialism?
How did Mendelson (critic) speak of Feminine Gospels?
- “what if poems?” imagined ideas ie. w/ use of conceit.
- Duffy = “shape-shifter”, travelling to different time periods/locations.
What 5 sections can anthology be split into?
1.) Prologue, universal experience of women *(The Long Queen.) *
2.) Physical appearance of women
3.) Fantastical hyperbolic poems about women in society.
4.) Humorous tone.
5.) Personal tone.
Refer to index page to see which poems specifically.
