Betrothal: Themes & Linking Poems

Introduction to “Betrothal”

“Betrothal” is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy, characterised by its exploration of love, commitment, and societal expectations about the idea of betrothal.
The poem is a powerful discourse about the nature of relationships and how they can alter the perception and identity of an individual.

Themes in “Betrothal”

Love and Commitment

The poem prominently explores the processes and expectations around betrothal, shedding light on the complexities of love and commitment.
It emphasises how these factors - love and commitment - both spur and at times, restrict personal growth.

Identity and Perception

The poem projects the idea of how people in a relationship often conform to society’s expectations, which may result in the blurring of individual identities.
It shows how a woman becomes what her man and the society expects her to be, diminishing her into a mere reflection of them, rather than celebrating her individuality.

Freedom vs Restraints

Betrothal unravels the tension between the desire for freedom and the constraints imposed by commitment.
Marriage and love, seen as binding and limiting in this poem, are contrasted with the need for personal freedom and independence.

Linking Poems

“Betrothal” can be linked to other poems by Carol Ann Duffy, such as “Mrs Lazarus” and “Little Red Cap”, through an exploration of love, identity, and societal expectations.
For instance, similar to an individual losing herself in societal norms in “Betrothal”, in “Mrs Lazarus”, a woman is bound by the societal expectations connected to widowhood.
In “Little Red Cap”, the young protagonist is thrown into a complicated relationship that threatens her independence, echoing the tension between freedom and constraint found in “Betrothal”.

When revising, it’s important to remember to draw connections between “Betrothal” and other poems from Carol Ann Duffy’s collection, examining shared themes in order to deepen understanding.