Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Frog Prince" is a poem by Stevie Smith that offers a feminist retelling of the classic fairy tale. The poem was first published in 1957 and is often cited as one of Smith's most famous and influential works.

The poem tells the story of a young woman who encounters a frog in a well. The frog begs the woman to take him out of the well and to love him, promising to repay her with a "princely" reward. The woman is initially repulsed by the frog, but she eventually agrees to help him, hoping to gain a reward for her efforts.

Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey the sense of frustration and disappointment experienced by the young woman. They describe the frog as "slimy" and "grotesque," emphasizing the physical repulsiveness of his appearance. The speaker also notes the ways in which the frog manipulates and exploits the woman, creating a sense of anger and frustration at the power dynamics in their relationship.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "he was a frog" is repeated several times throughout the poem, serving to emphasize the central theme of the power dynamics in the relationship between the woman and the frog. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the language, echoing the themes of the poem.

In conclusion, "The Frog Prince" is a powerful and evocative poem that offers a feminist retelling of the classic fairy tale. Through its use of vivid imagery and repetition, the poem conveys the sense of frustration and disappointment experienced by the young woman, and it highlights the ways in which power dynamics can distort relationships and create a sense of inequality and injustice. Ultimately, the poem is a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in our interactions with others, and it encourages us to strive for more equitable and just relationships.

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