Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Queen Kong" by Carol Ann Duffy is a provocative and whimsical retelling of the classic "King Kong" story, reimagined from the perspective of a female giant gorilla, Queen Kong, who falls in love with a human man. Duffy's poem subverts the traditional narrative, exploring themes of love, power, and gender dynamics, while injecting a humorous and tender view into the relationship between the two unlikely lovers.

The poem begins with Queen Kong detailing her life in Manhattan, blending in with a sense of anonymity despite her size. She describes her infatuation with a man who came to her island as part of a documentary film crew. The encounter is playful and tender; she is captivated by his presence and "scooped him up in my palm," a gesture that is both possessive and gentle. The theme of reversed power dynamics is clear here—Queen Kong, a powerful female, is in control, yet she is also vulnerable in her affection for him.

Duffy infuses the poem with rich sensory details that enhance the intimacy of their interactions. Queen Kong's descriptions of her love are filled with tactile imagery: she peels his clothes, tastes him, and later, she describes how he would "massage the heavy lids of my eyes" and how she enjoyed blowing on him gently. These details humanize the giant gorilla, giving depth to her emotional life and her desires.

Humor plays a significant role in the poem, providing a light-hearted take on the otherwise dramatic and tragic story of King Kong. Queen Kong's perspective is filled with amusing asides, like her fondness for pastrami on rye, and her shopping spree in New York, which includes buying clothes for her man and "one or two treats for myself from Bloomingdale's."

The narrative progresses to depict their life together, which Duffy portrays as a peaceful, loving relationship that defies the norms and expectations of society. This relationship culminates in a poignant scene where Queen Kong, after the man's death, chooses to preserve him and wear him around her neck, symbolizing her enduring love for him. This act of preservation is both macabre and touching, illustrating the depth of her attachment and her unwillingness to let go.

Ultimately, "Queen Kong" is a tale of love that transcends the ordinary, challenging the reader's perceptions of beauty, attraction, and compatibility. Carol Ann Duffy rewrites a familiar story to give voice to a character who, in the original narrative, is seen only as a monster. Here, Queen Kong is a complex, feeling entity who experiences love, joy, and loss. The poem invites readers to reconsider the narratives we accept about who is deserving of love and who gets to tell their story. Through this imaginative and affectionate recounting, Duffy celebrates the unconventional, the misunderstood, and the power of love to cross the most improbable boundaries.

POEM TEXT: https://voetica.com/poem/6517

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