Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "My Sister, the Queen," Edward Field reimagines the strained relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her younger sister, Princess Margaret. Through vivid imagery and a dramatic narrative, Field explores themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal tragedy against the backdrop of British royalty.

The poem opens with the speaker walking past Kensington Palace, described as "more like a country house, really, than a palace." This introduction sets the scene with a tone of casual elegance, creating a sense of familiarity with the royal setting. The palace is under the symbolic guardianship of Queen Victoria, who "presides gracefully in stone over royal lawns." This image of Queen Victoria represents the weight of tradition and the expectations imposed on the current royal family.

The palace's regal atmosphere contrasts sharply with the modern art of "Henry Moore’s giant marble thighbones," which are described as a "distant mockery." The juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary art hints at the tension between royal tradition and the changing social norms of the 20th century.

The poem then shifts to a vision of Princess Margaret, "a familiar figure looking out" from an upper window. Her appearance reflects her troubled state: "the once-pretty face tear- and mascara-stained, / whiskey glass in hand, chain-smoking the cigarettes / forbidden her since the operation." This portrayal evokes the image of a tragic, self-destructive figure struggling against the restrictions placed upon her by both health and societal expectations.

Field describes how Queen Elizabeth used her power to control her "prettier, wilder sister," preventing her from marrying a divorced man, Peter Townsend, "and a commoner to boot." Instead, Margaret was pushed into a loveless marriage that ended in divorce, which was seen as "a slap in the royal face." This historical context highlights the rigidity of royal expectations and the sacrifices required for maintaining a certain image.

The poem imagines a moment when Margaret, driven to the brink by the pressures and injustices she faced, might "scream to the world / how her sister has ruined her life." However, as she prepares to hurl herself out the window, "experienced hands grab her from behind / to clamp over the twisted, hysterical mouth." The image of "the doctor / waits with the hypodermic" reinforces the idea that the royal family would go to great lengths to silence her and maintain the illusion of control.

Field contrasts the forced calm of the palace interior with the unsettling image of heavy drapes, "embroidered by the hands / of her sister, the Queen." This metaphorical detail illustrates Queen Elizabeth’s subtle influence and authority over her sister's life, further emphasizing the control she exercised.

The poem concludes with the speaker "blinking away the vision" of Margaret's plight and continuing the walk "through the unearthly gardens." The term "unearthly" suggests a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the disconnect between the royal image and the harsh reality of Margaret's struggles.

Structurally, the poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to weave the narrative in a fluid and conversational style. The vivid imagery and dramatic tone create a compelling narrative that balances historical context with imaginative interpretation.

Overall, Edward Field's "My Sister, the Queen" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of familial relationships and the suffocating expectations placed upon individuals within the royal family. By focusing on Princess Margaret's tragic story, Field sheds light on the cost of adhering to tradition and the ways in which power dynamics can shape and even destroy personal lives. The poem invites readers to question the price of duty and conformity while empathizing with those who suffer under such burdens.

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