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.
