Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

MRS DARWIN, by CAROL ANN DUFFY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"Mrs Darwin" by Carol Ann Duffy is a short and humorous poem from her collection "The World's Wife," which features poems written from the perspectives of the wives of famous historical and fictional figures. Each poem gives voice to women who are often overshadowed by their more famous partners, allowing Duffy to explore themes of identity, relationships, and the dynamics of power from a female perspective.

This particular poem, "Mrs Darwin," is succinct yet packed with meaning, encapsulating an imagined moment between Charles Darwin and his wife during a visit to the zoo. The date provided at the beginning of the poem, "7 April 1852," places the couple during a significant period in Darwin's life, as he was developing his theories on evolution and natural selection, which he would later publish in "On the Origin of Species."

The poem's humor comes from the wife's dry remark to her husband: "Something about that Chimpanzee over there reminds me of you." This comment can be read in several ways. On one level, it's a playful and affectionate jest that one might make about a spouse's quirky resemblance to an animal. However, given Charles Darwin’s work and the context of evolutionary theory, the remark takes on a deeper, more ironic meaning. It subtly nods to the then-controversial idea of humans and apes sharing a common ancestor, a cornerstone of Darwin's theory that challenged the established views of the time.

"Mrs Darwin" showcases Duffy's skill in using minimalistic language to create a layered and impactful scene. The poem is a snapshot, a brief vignette that humorously intersects personal and historical narratives. The wife's comment hints at her understanding and perhaps quiet acknowledgment of her husband's groundbreaking work, which is a clever reversal of the traditional roles where the spouse is merely a bystander to the husband's greatness. Here, Mrs. Darwin is portrayed as perceptive and witty, perhaps seeing the implications of her husband's theories before they are fully formed or accepted.

By framing this significant scientific theory in a light, domestic moment, Duffy humanizes the Darwins, removing them from the pedestal of historical greatness and presenting them as a normal couple sharing a moment of private levity. This approach allows readers to connect more personally with historical figures and to appreciate the ordinary, everyday interactions that define relationships, even among those whose lives seem extraordinary.

POEM TEXT:

7 April 1852

Went to the Zoo.

I said to Him—

Something about that Chimpanzee over there reminds me of you.