Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mrs Beast," by Carol Ann Duffy, is a provocative and defiant reimagining of traditional fairy tales from the perspective of a female narrator who identifies with the Beast rather than the Prince. The poem is part of Duffy's collection that gives voice to the women from various myths, history, and folklore, exploring themes of power, gender, and relationships through a modern, feminist lens. "Mrs Beast" challenges the romanticized narratives of fairy tales, presenting a more nuanced view of love and partnership.

The poem begins by addressing common fairy tale motifs, directly engaging with the audience ("Ladies") and setting the stage for a critique of traditional narratives ("These myths going round, these legends, fairytales"). The narrator lists iconic women from history and myth, who are often idealized for their beauty or romanticized suffering, and immediately subverts this by introducing the Little Mermaid's painful transformation—sacrificing her identity for unrequited love. This sets a tone of disillusionment with the conventional fairy tale endings.

The narrator, who aligns herself with the figure of the Beast, offers an alternative: the empowerment found in choosing a partner who is not the archetypical Prince but a Beast. She humorously and vividly describes the advantages of such a choice, particularly in terms of genuine, albeit unconventional, companionship ("the sex is better"). The narrator proudly recounts her independence and assertiveness upon entering the Beast's domain, ready to leave at any sign of disrespect, showing her autonomy and control over her choices.

The description of the Beast himself is graphic and unapologetic. The narrator relishes in the raw and animalistic nature of the Beast, which starkly contrasts with the sanitized, princely characters of typical fairy tales. She commands in the bedroom, directing their encounters with a clear, empowered voice, subverting traditional gender roles. This relationship dynamic is explored with a mix of dark humor and frankness, challenging the reader to reconsider what constitutes a desirable or acceptable romantic partnership.

Duffy extends the theme of challenging norms through the poker game, a gathering of characters who are all women with storied pasts in myth and folklore, now recast as savvy, hardened individuals who are "tough as fuck." This scene serves as a powerful metaphor for reclaiming agency and rewriting narratives. The intense poker game symbolizes the stakes of their struggles against societal expectations and norms.

Throughout the poem, Duffy intertwines themes of love, power, and transformation with sharp wit and a critical eye. The narrator’s final reflections alongside the poker game highlight a community of women who navigate their narratives on their terms, no longer isolated or victimized. The toast to Fay Wray at the end symbolizes a tribute to women who have endured and thrived despite the roles they have been cast in by society.

"Mrs Beast" is a compelling critique of the fairy tale paradigm and a celebration of female agency, strength, and solidarity. Carol Ann Duffy's use of vivid, often gritty imagery, and her twist on traditional tales, invites readers to rethink the narratives that have shaped their understanding of gender and relationships. Through the voice of Mrs Beast, Duffy champions a more authentic and equitable vision of love—one that embraces imperfection and mutual respect over fairy tale idealizations.

POEM TEXT: https://carolannduffy4lyf.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/first-blog-post/

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