Understanding Work in Feminine Gospels by Carol Ann Duffy

The poem "Work" from Feminine Gospels poems presents a powerful exploration of women's labor through history, particularly focusing on motherhood and domestic responsibilities. The poem employs an innovative additive structure, reminiscent of children's stories, but transforms from mundane to haunting as it progresses through different historical periods.

Definition: Dual burden refers to women's responsibility for both paid employment and unpaid domestic labor, while triple burden includes emotional labor as an additional responsibility.

In the opening stanza, Duffy establishes the indoor domestic setting, representing traditional women's roles in patriarchal society. The poem cleverly traces the historical evolution of family structures, beginning with feudalistic subsistence farming and progressing through various economic systems. The careful selection of verbs and phonological features, including heavy consonants and strategic caesuras, emphasizes the physical toll of women's work.

The poem incorporates Marxist feminist perspectives on women's labor, particularly examining how capitalism has affected women's roles. This analysis is especially relevant for Feminine Gospels A Level revision, as it connects to broader themes of female experience and social structures. The progression from primitive communism through to modern capitalism is tracked through increasingly complex layers of women's responsibilities.

Highlight: The poem uses internal rhyme (harder/larder) to emphasize the intensifying demands on women, while the pun on "reproduction" connects biological and economic production.

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.