Page 2: The Aftermath and Separation

The second page of this annotated Mrs Midas poem higher English text delves deeper into the consequences of Midas' golden touch on the couple's relationship and daily life.

Mrs. Midas' attempts to cope with the situation are both practical and poignant. She moves the phone, locks away the cat, and makes her husband sit at a distance, illustrating the immediate impact on their physical intimacy.

Example: The line "I served up the meal. For starters, corn on the cob. Within seconds he was spitting out the teeth of the rich" provides a vivid and darkly humorous image of how Midas' gift affects even the simplest activities.

The poem explores the loss of sensory pleasures, as Midas can no longer enjoy food or drink. The transformation of everyday objects into gold is described with rich imagery, such as the "golden chalice" that was once a simple wine glass.

As the reality of their situation sets in, Mrs. Midas grapples with anger and resentment. Her rhetorical question, "Do you know about gold?" emphasizes the futility and emptiness of Midas' wish.

Highlight: The line "who has wishes granted? Him" reflects Mrs. Midas' bitterness and the unfairness she perceives in their situation.

The poem then shifts to the long-term consequences of Midas' transformation. The couple must sleep in separate beds, and Mrs. Midas fears physical contact with her husband. This physical separation symbolizes the emotional distance growing between them.

A poignant dream sequence reveals Mrs. Midas' deep-seated desires and fears. The image of a golden child with "amber eyes holding their pupils like flies" is both beautiful and disturbing, highlighting the loss of potential for a normal family life.

Quote: "And who, when it comes to the crunch, can live with a heart of gold?"

This rhetorical question encapsulates the central conflict of the poem – the impossibility of maintaining a human connection with someone who has lost their humanity to greed.

The poem concludes with Mrs. Midas reflecting on her life after separating from her husband. She sold their possessions and moved away, but still thinks of him, particularly missing "his warm hands on my skin, his touch." This bittersweet ending emphasizes the lasting impact of Midas' foolish wish on both their lives.

Definition: In literature, the Midas touch refers to the ability to make money or succeed in any venture, but in this poem, it is literally interpreted as a curse that turns everything to gold.

This Mrs Midas poem analysis reveals how Carol Ann Duffy masterfully reimagines the classic myth, using it to explore themes of love, loss, and the consequences of unchecked desire. The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the value of human connection over material wealth.

Page 1: The Golden Curse Begins

The first page of the Mrs Midas poem analysis introduces the setting and the initial discovery of Midas' new ability. The narrator, Mrs. Midas, describes a seemingly normal evening that quickly turns extraordinary.

The poem opens with Mrs. Midas relaxing in the kitchen, creating a calm atmosphere that sharply contrasts with the events to come. The use of personification in describing the kitchen "filled with the smell of itself" establishes a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Highlight: The line "I opened one, then with my fingers wiped the other's glass like a brow" foreshadows the importance of touch in the poem, as Mr. Midas will soon be unable to touch anything safely.

As Mrs. Midas looks out into the garden, she notices her husband standing under a pear tree. The visibility is poor, but she sees that the twig in his hand has turned to gold. This moment marks the beginning of their troubles.

Quote: "that twig in his hand was gold. And then he plucked a pear from a branch - we grew Fondante d'Automne - and it sat in his palm, like a lightbulb. On."

The comparison of the golden pear to a lightbulb emphasizes the unnatural and alarming nature of Midas' new ability. The mention of "late September" adds to the autumnal imagery and suggests a time of change and ending.

As Mr. Midas enters the house, the full extent of his golden touch becomes apparent. The narrator's disbelief is evident in her thoughts of "the Field of the Cloth of Gold and of Miss Macready," references that highlight the absurdity of the situation.

Vocabulary: The "Field of the Cloth of Gold" refers to a historical meeting between the Kings of England and France, known for its lavish display of wealth.

The page concludes with Mrs. Midas' growing horror as she realizes the implications of her husband's new power. Her scream and his laughter create a powerful contrast, setting the stage for the conflict to come.