Mrs Midas: Overview

Overview of “Mrs Midas”

“Mrs Midas” is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy, part of her collection ‘The World’s Wife’. The collection gives a voice to the women overshadowed by their famous husbands in mythology and history.
This poem is an adaptation of the Greek myth about King Midas who wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. However, Duffy’s version is told from the perspective of Midas’ wife, hence the title “Mrs Midas.”
The poem’s narration is done in first person, giving a direct insight into Mrs Midas’ experiences, thoughts and feelings.
Duffy explores themes of greed, selfishness, and the consequences of our actions in “Mrs Midas”. These themes are conveyed through the personal tragedy of Mrs Midas, caused by her husband’s thoughtless wish.
The poem has a chronological structure, following the events from the initial wish made by her husband through to the regrettable consequences that follow.

Key Aspects of “Mrs Midas”

Irony plays a crucial role in “Mrs Midas.” The wish that was supposed to bring joy and prosperity ends up being the cause of isolation and despair.
Contrast is also a significant element. The everyday, domestic setting is starkly contrasted with the fantastical, deadly consequences of Midas’ golden touch.
“Mrs Midas” demonstrates the personal consequences of greed. Through the isolation and fear experienced by Mrs Midas, Duffy illustrates that human relationships and warmth cannot co-exist with avarice.
The tone shifts throughout the poem, moving from a light-hearted and humorous tone in the early moments to a more tragic and melancholy tone as the effects of Midas’ wish become clear.
“Mrs Midas” is a comment on the negative impacts of materialism and capitalism. The poem shows the dangers of valuing material wealth over personal relationships.

Analysis of Language and Imagery in “Mrs Midas”

Duffy uses rich, sensual imagery. Her vivid descriptions of objects turning into gold and the effects it has on the woman’s life is incredibly evocative.
Description of nature is a prominent aspect in “Mrs Midas”. This can be seen in the portrayal of autumn, the scenery around their house, and the transformation of natural objects into gold.
The sound of the language carries emotional weight. The use of assonance, consonance, and internal rhymes helps to create a lyrical feel to the poem, emphasising its tragic narrative.
Use of alliteration of ‘g’ sounds can be found throughout the poem, reflecting the central concept of gold and greed.
Similes such as “like a field of corn”, “like alps in a plane window” are used to emphasise the dramatic and far-reaching effects of King Midas’ wish.

There is no doubt that “Mrs Midas” is a treasurable poem that offers immense scope for exploration, probing into the perils of insatiable avarice through the eyes of an innocent victim. This analysis gives you the starting point to delve deep into the poem, picking apart the clever usage of language and tone by Duffy.