Techniques and Character Revelation in "Havisham"

The final page of the transcript emphasizes the poetic techniques used by Carol Ann Duffy to bring the character of Miss Havisham to life. The poem makes effective use of sentence structure, word choice, and imagery to reveal the complex nature of its protagonist.

Highlight: Duffy employs strong techniques such as imagery, sentence structure, and word choice to present an effective character study of Miss Havisham.

The character of Miss Havisham is portrayed as a woman consumed by her past, with her hatred towards men and desire for revenge shaping her entire being. This portrayal is consistent with Dickens' original character but offers a more nuanced and intimate exploration of her psyche.

Vocabulary: Jilted at the altar - left by one's intended spouse on the day of the wedding.

The poem's effectiveness in character creation makes it an excellent choice for exam questions focusing on character development in poetry. Duffy's "Havisham" offers a masterclass in how a poet can use various techniques to bring a character to life within the confines of a relatively short poem.

Example: The poem might use harsh consonants or fragmented sentences to reflect Miss Havisham's bitter state of mind (specific examples not provided in the transcript).

Throughout the monologue, readers witness the gradual revelation of Miss Havisham's character, her motivations, and her emotional state. This deep dive into a character's psyche is a hallmark of Duffy's poetry and contributes significantly to the poem's impact and memorability.

Quote: "Throughout the monologue we see how Miss Havisham is revealed."

The Great Expectations Miss Havisham poem themes of betrayal, revenge, and the lasting effects of emotional trauma are powerfully conveyed through Duffy's skillful character portrayal, making "Havisham" a rich text for literary analysis and interpretation.