Myth and Literature - 23BENA4 Lesson 5: Mrs Midas by Carol Ann Duffy

 Myth and Literature - 23BENA4

Lesson 5: Mrs Midas by Carol Ann Duffy

Overview

Carol Ann Duffy’s poem Mrs Midas is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of King Midas, who was granted the ability to turn everything he touched into gold. However, Duffy’s version is told from the perspective of Midas’s wife, exploring the consequences of his wish on their relationship. Through Mrs Midas, Duffy examines themes of greed, isolation, loss, and the destruction of love. The poem is a satirical yet poignant reflection on the consequences of material desires, showing how Midas’s wish leads to the unraveling of his marriage and the loss of normalcy.

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The Poem: Original Lines with Explanations

Original Line

“It was late September. I’d just poured a glass of wine, begun to unwind…”

Explanation

The poem opens in a domestic setting, with Mrs Midas preparing for a relaxing evening. Duffy contrasts this peaceful moment with the chaotic events that follow, emphasizing the normalcy that will soon be disrupted by Midas’s greed.

Original Line

“He sat in that chair like a king on a burnished throne…”

Explanation

This line compares Midas to a king, hinting at his newfound wealth and power. However, there’s irony here, as his ‘throne’ is actually a mundane kitchen chair, emphasizing the disconnect between his delusion of grandeur and reality.

Original Line

“Within seconds he was spitting out the teeth of the rich…”

Explanation

Midas turns food into gold as he attempts to eat, highlighting the tragic absurdity of his gift. His inability to perform basic tasks, like eating, illustrates how his wish has made him helpless, showing the hollowness of material wealth.

Original Line

“The look on his face was strange, wild, vain…”

Explanation

Mrs Midas observes her husband’s expression, which reflects a mixture of excitement, greed, and vanity. This description hints at the corrosive effect that Midas’s desire for wealth has on his personality.

Original Line

“I miss most, even now, his hands, his warm hands on my skin, his touch.”

Explanation

This closing line reveals Mrs Midas’s sense of loss and longing for physical intimacy, which has been destroyed by her husband’s greed. She mourns the loss of her normal life, showing the personal cost of Midas’s wish.

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Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Who narrates the poem “Mrs Midas”?

o The poem is narrated by Mrs Midas, the wife of King Midas, who reflects on the impact of her husband’s wish to turn everything into gold.

2. What is the setting at the beginning of the poem?

o The poem begins in a domestic setting in late September, with Mrs Midas relaxing with a glass of wine.

3. What happens when Midas tries to eat after gaining his power?

o When Midas tries to eat, the food turns to gold, making it impossible for him to nourish himself.

4. How does Mrs Midas describe her husband’s expression after his wish is granted?

o Mrs Midas describes her husband’s expression as “strange, wild, vain,” reflecting the effects of greed and excitement.

5. What does Mrs Midas miss most about her husband?

o Mrs Midas misses her husband’s physical touch, particularly his “warm hands,” which she can no longer experience due to his transformation.

6. What theme does Duffy explore through the character of Mrs Midas?

o Duffy explores the theme of greed and its destructive impact on relationships and normal life.

7. How does Duffy use irony in the poem?

o Duffy uses irony by presenting Midas’s “gift” as a curse, showing that his wish for wealth only leads to isolation and suffering.

8. What does the poem suggest about materialism?

o The poem suggests that materialism can have detrimental effects, as Midas’s desire for gold ultimately ruins his life and marriage.

9. Why does Mrs Midas feel isolated after her husband’s wish is granted?

o Mrs Midas feels isolated because her husband’s transformation into a golden being prevents any physical intimacy or normal interactions.

10. What is the significance of the poem’s title, “Mrs Midas”?

o The title Mrs Midas shifts the focus from King Midas to his wife, highlighting the impact of his actions on those around him.

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Five-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Describe how Carol Ann Duffy uses the perspective of Mrs Midas to convey the consequences of greed.

o By narrating the poem from Mrs Midas’s perspective, Duffy explores the personal impact of King Midas’s wish on his wife. Mrs Midas’s voice provides a grounded, human response to her husband’s actions, revealing how his greed disrupts their relationship and home life. Through her eyes, the reader sees the absurdity and tragedy of Midas’s choice, as his desire for gold destroys their marriage and isolates him. This perspective emphasizes the collateral damage of his greed, showing how materialism can harm not only the individual but also those closest to them.

2. What role does irony play in “Mrs Midas”?

o Irony is central to “Mrs Midas,” as Midas’s wish for gold—initially seen as a blessing—quickly becomes a curse. His newfound wealth is useless, preventing him from enjoying simple pleasures like eating and touching his wife. The irony highlights the hollowness of materialism, as Midas’s desire for wealth only leads to loneliness and despair. Duffy uses this irony to critique society’s obsession with wealth, showing that the pursuit of material gain often results in the loss of more meaningful aspects of life.

3. Discuss the significance of touch and physical intimacy in the poem.

o Touch and physical intimacy are symbols of human connection and warmth in Mrs Midas. Mrs Midas laments the loss of her husband’s physical presence, particularly his “warm hands.” His transformation into a “cold” figure, unable to touch or be touched, symbolizes the isolation caused by his greed. Duffy uses this loss to underscore the theme of human connection, showing that love and intimacy are far more valuable than material wealth. This longing for touch reflects Mrs Midas’s mourning for a relationship that has been irreversibly altered.

4. How does Duffy portray the theme of loss in “Mrs Midas”?

o Duffy portrays loss through Mrs Midas’s reflections on her husband’s transformation and the destruction of their relationship. She recalls the warmth and love they shared, which has now been replaced by loneliness and regret. Mrs Midas feels the loss of her husband’s touch, their shared future, and the possibility of children, all sacrificed for his fleeting desire for gold. This sense of loss underscores the futility of Midas’s wish, emphasizing that material wealth cannot replace the fundamental joys of life.

5. Explain how “Mrs Midas” serves as a critique of materialism.

o Mrs Midas critiques materialism by illustrating the destructive consequences of Midas’s wish for gold. His greed costs him his happiness, health, and relationship, rendering his wealth meaningless. Duffy uses Midas’s plight to reflect on society’s obsession with wealth, showing how the pursuit of material success can lead to isolation and the loss of genuine connections. Through Mrs Midas’s sorrow and bitterness, the poem warns of the emptiness that often accompanies materialism, advocating instead for values like love, companionship, and personal connection.

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Essay Question with Detailed Answer

Essay Question: Analyze the themes of greed, loss, and isolation in Carol Ann Duffy’s “Mrs Midas.” How does Duffy use the character of Mrs Midas to convey these themes?

• Introduction:

o Carol Ann Duffy’s Mrs Midas provides a modern, satirical take on the ancient myth of King Midas, retelling it from the perspective of his wife. Through Mrs Midas’s reflections, Duffy explores the destructive consequences of greed, showing how Midas’s wish for gold not only isolates him but also causes a profound sense of loss for his wife. The poem critiques the pursuit of material wealth and highlights the cost it imposes on human relationships and happiness. Mrs Midas’s voice captures the sorrow and regret that follow her husband’s transformation, making her a poignant symbol of the collateral damage caused by unchecked desires.

• Subtitles and Explanations:

1. Greed as a Destructive Force

 Midas’s wish for gold represents unchecked greed, as he prioritizes material wealth over his existing blessings. Duffy uses Mrs Midas’s perspective to show the immediate consequences of this greed, emphasizing how it destroys their home life. His inability to enjoy basic human pleasures, like food and touch, reveals the hollowness of his desire, critiquing society’s tendency to equate wealth with happiness.

2. The Theme of Loss and Longing

 Mrs Midas’s reflections are filled with a sense of loss. She mourns not only the physical touch of her husband but also the future they had planned together. Duffy uses this loss to underscore the theme of greed’s destructiveness, as Midas’s desire for wealth costs him and his wife a fulfilling life. Mrs Midas’s longing for the warmth of human connection highlights the irreplaceable value of personal relationships.

3. Isolation and Emotional Distance

 Midas’s transformation creates an emotional and physical barrier between him and Mrs Midas. Unable to touch him, she feels increasingly isolated, symbolizing the broader alienation caused by greed. This isolation serves as a metaphor for how materialism can separate individuals from their loved ones, leaving them emotionally barren and unfulfilled.

4. Irony and Satire in Mrs Midas’s Voice

 Duffy uses irony in Mrs Midas’s narration to convey the absurdity of Midas’s wish. While he sees wealth as a source of happiness, his golden touch brings only misery. Mrs Midas’s sarcastic and humorous observations add a satirical layer, critiquing materialism and exposing its futility in the face of genuine human needs.

5. The Symbolism of Touch and Intimacy

 Physical touch becomes a symbol of love and connection, which Midas’s greed irrevocably destroys. Mrs Midas’s longing for her husband’s “warm hands” signifies the depth of their lost intimacy, illustrating how material desires can disrupt essential human bonds.

6. Midas’s Transformation as a Moral Lesson

 Through Midas’s transformation, Duffy presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing wealth over relationships. His desire for gold blinds him to the joys of ordinary life, serving as a warning against the seductive allure of material success.

7. Regret and Reflection in Mrs Midas’s Narrative

 Mrs Midas’s reflections are tinged with regret, as she laments the choices that led to their separation. Duffy uses her narrative to emphasize the irreversibility of some decisions, showing how moments of greed can have long-lasting consequences.

8. The Incompatibility of Material Wealth and Emotional Fulfillment

 The poem juxtaposes material wealth with emotional fulfillment, suggesting that the two are often incompatible. Midas’s wish for gold ultimately deprives him of the things that matter most, underscoring the emptiness of wealth without love.

9. Human Connection as the True Source of Happiness

 Duffy’s portrayal of Mrs Midas’s sorrow highlights the importance of human connection. The loss of physical intimacy reveals the irreplaceable role that love and companionship play in providing happiness and meaning in life.

10. The Poem as a Critique of Consumer Culture

 Mrs Midas can be seen as a critique of consumer culture, which often promotes the pursuit of wealth over relationships. Through Mrs Midas’s experience, Duffy questions societal values, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in connections, not possessions.

• Conclusion:

o Carol Ann Duffy’s Mrs Midas offers a poignant reflection on the destructive consequences of greed. Through themes of loss, isolation, and the futility of materialism, Duffy uses Mrs Midas’s perspective to reveal the emptiness that often accompanies the pursuit of wealth. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of love, connection, and the intangible aspects of life that give it true value.