Mrs Midas: Form and Structure

“Mrs Midas: Form and Structure”

The Form

• “Mrs Midas” is written in free verse stoic form, a pattern which doesn’t stick to the traditional forms of rhyme or meter, showcasing the unpredictability and ripple effects of Midas’ wish.

• The poem mainly consists of quatrains, or four-line stanzas, but the stanza length can vary, highlighting the disarray and disturbance caused by the golden touch.

• The first-person perspective used in the poem provides a confessional and introspective tone, allowing the reader to empathise with Mrs. Midas’ predicament.

• The monologue form implies a conversation or confession, as if Mrs. Midas is telling her story directly to the reader.

The Structure

• Chronological order is utilised in “Mrs Midas”, tracing the sequence of events from the point where Midas’ wish is granted to its disastrous outcomes.

• The structure of the poem mirrors the progression of the story, with the initial stanzas describing the strange event and later ones dealing with its far-reaching implications.

• The turning point of the poem, or Volta, can be said to be in the ninth stanza (‘I made him sit…). This is where Mrs Midas realises the severity of the situation and removes herself from her husband’s reach.

• The ending of the poem presents a shift from the previous domestic setting to a natural, secluded location. This signifies Mrs Midas’ isolation due to her husband’s thoughtless wish.

• The poem finishes on a nostalgic and melancholic note, reflecting the profound loss Mrs Midas experiences.