The Long Queen

"The Long Queen" serves as an introduction to Carol Ann Duffy's Feminine Gospels collection, setting the tone for the exploration of feminine power and influence throughout history. The poem presents a mythical feminine figure that transcends time and embodies various aspects of womanhood.

Highlight: The Long Queen represents an ancient and altruistic spirit that has existed throughout human history, rather than being tied to any specific religious context.

The first stanza introduces the concept of the Long Queen's dedication to her role, eschewing traditional marriage in favor of a commitment to time itself. This metaphorical marriage challenges patriarchal norms and emphasizes the importance of female autonomy.

Example: "Marries her job/time, not a husband" illustrates the Long Queen's rejection of conventional female roles.

In the second stanza, Duffy emphasizes the Long Queen's inclusive nature, valuing all women regardless of their societal status or role. This inclusivity stands in contrast to historical and religious views that often limited women's worth to their reproductive capabilities.

Vocabulary: "Wet nurse" refers to a woman who breastfeeds and cares for another's child, a role often stigmatized in history but valued by the Long Queen.

The poem also touches on the concept of a female chain of history, challenging the patriarchal narrative of women's creation and existence. Duffy alludes to religious and mythological stories that have shaped perceptions of women throughout time.

Definition: Theocratic religions refer to belief systems where divine guidance directly governs society, often reinforcing patriarchal structures.

"The Long Queen" sets the stage for the Feminine Gospels collection by introducing themes of female power, historical continuity, and the subversion of traditional gender roles. It encourages readers to consider the enduring influence of feminine energy throughout human existence.

Beautiful Women in History

This section of Carol Ann Duffy's Feminine Gospels explores the concept of beauty through the lens of famous historical and mythical women. The poem examines how beauty has been both a source of power and a curse for women throughout history, often leading to tragedy and exploitation.

Highlight: The poem illustrates how women's beauty has been weaponized by patriarchal societies, often resulting in their downfall or exploitation.

The text focuses on three iconic figures: Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Each woman represents a different era and aspect of feminine beauty and its impact on society and individual lives.

Helen of Troy:

• Born from divine origins, symbolizing the mythical nature of idealized beauty
• Her beauty sparked the Trojan War, illustrating the destructive power of female allure
• The poem emphasizes the disconnect between Helen's legendary status and her personal reality

Quote: "She was born from an egg/the daughter of gods" highlights Helen's mythical status and the unrealistic expectations placed on beautiful women.

Cleopatra:

• Portrayed as a powerful and cunning woman who used her beauty strategically
• The poem emphasizes her ability to manipulate and control powerful men
• Her tragic end is alluded to, showing the dangerous consequences of wielding beauty as a weapon

Example: "Slipped her gambling hand/into his pouch and took gold" illustrates Cleopatra's skillful use of her charms to gain power and wealth.

Marilyn Monroe:

• Represents the modern incarnation of the beautiful woman as a media construct
• The poem explores the exploitation and objectification of Monroe by the entertainment industry
• Duffy highlights the tragic irony of Monroe's life and death, immortalized yet dehumanized by her image

Quote: "Till she couldn't die when she died" encapsulates the paradox of Monroe's enduring fame and her personal struggles.

This section of Feminine Gospels provides a powerful commentary on the double-edged nature of female beauty in patriarchal societies. It serves as a critique of the objectification and exploitation of women, while also acknowledging the potential power that beauty can confer. The poem encourages readers to look beyond surface appearances and consider the complex realities of women's lives throughout history.