Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Devil's Wife" by Carol Ann Duffy is a dramatic and harrowing series of poems that explore the psychological transformation and moral degradation of a woman who becomes romantically involved with a devil-like figure. The figure, reminiscent of notorious criminals, embodies evil and manipulates the speaker into a life of crime and moral decay. Duffy's work often delves into the themes of identity and the darker aspects of human experience, and this poem is a vivid exploration of these themes through the lens of a toxic relationship.

1. Dirt

The first poem, "Dirt," introduces the devil as a predatory figure in a work environment, viewing women as objects (dirt) and possessing a menacing presence. The speaker initially resists his advances but becomes infatuated with him, leading to a disturbingly abusive relationship. The imagery of driving to the woods and burying a doll symbolizes the loss of innocence and foreshadows deeper involvement in criminal activities. The transformation of the speaker's psyche begins here, marked by an obsession with the devil and a departure from normal life.

2. Medusa

In "Medusa," the speaker reflects on her changed identity and public perception after her crimes have been exposed. The reference to Medusa, a figure whose gaze turns others to stone, suggests that she is both vilified and feared. The stanza portrays her sense of detachment from reality and her own actions, with a haunting inability to remember her deeds, indicating a deep psychological break or denial.

3. Bible

This poem depicts the speaker's trial and her desperate attempts to dissociate from the crimes. She invokes religious and legal symbols (Bible, lawyer, priest) to assert her innocence and separate herself from the devil's actions. However, her repeated denials and claims of memory loss convey a profound internal conflict and confusion, underscoring the depth of her entanglement with the devil and her loss of self.

4. Night

"Night" is a somber reflection on the speaker's long imprisonment ("the long fifty-year night"), during which she is haunted by words of condemnation. This poem captures the solitude and despair of incarceration, as well as the slow, painful journey toward self-recognition and confession ("When morning comes, / I will finally tell."). It suggests a moment of reckoning and the possibility of redemption through acknowledgment of her actions.

5. Appeal

The final poem, "Appeal," explores hypothetical scenarios of execution, each a violent end that she might have faced. This series of graphic images reflects her inner turmoil and the perceived inevitability of punishment as a consequence of her actions as the devil's accomplice. The closing lines question the cost of her choices on her life and identity ("But what did I do to us all, to myself / When I was the Devil’s wife?"), highlighting a deep regret and the irreversible impact of her decisions.

Overall, "The Devil's Wife" is a poignant and intense examination of influence, complicity, and loss of self within the dynamics of an abusive and manipulative relationship. Duffy uses this narrative to probe the complexities of evil, both in actions influenced by others and the internal battle with one's own choices and guilt. The poem challenges the reader to consider the boundaries of responsibility and the profound effects of corrupting relationships on individual identity.

POEM TEXT: https://danielamurphy.com/2013/04/09/carol-ann-duffy-the-devils-wife/

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...