"Eat Me" by Patience Agbabi explores a disturbing relationship where... Show more
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14 Dec 2025
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Exam Notes for 'Eat Me' by Patience Agbabi - Detailed Annotations
H
Hannah
@annah_vxtkuokhkvmzko
1 / 4
Understanding "Eat Me": Relationship & Control
"Eat Me" begins with a troubling celebration—the speaker's partner brings her a cake for her thirtieth birthday, but it's not to celebrate her age. Instead, "a candle for each stone in weight" shows how he's celebrating her size, immediately establishing the unhealthy dynamic.
The title "Eat Me" works as an imperative command that reveals the controlling nature of their relationship. It cleverly alludes to Alice in Wonderland, where eating the cake made Alice grow enormously—mirroring how the woman in the poem is manipulated into growing larger.
The partner's objectification becomes increasingly clear through violent and degrading language. He watches her "broad belly wobble, hips judder like a juggernaut," comparing her to an "unstoppable truck" that he finds sexually gratifying. The woman becomes reduced to his "Jacuzzi," his "breadfruit," and his "desert island"—all semantic fields that emphasize her as an object for his pleasure rather than a person.
Remember: The poem uses tercets and half-rhymes throughout, creating a sense of uncertainty that mirrors the speaker's unstable situation.
Water imagery runs throughout, with the woman feeling like "a beached whale" and "a tidal wave of flesh," emphasizing both her helplessness and her growing power. As the poem progresses, we see the woman become trapped by her condition—"too fat to leave, too fat to buy a pint of full-fat milk"—showing how the abuse has systematically isolated her.
Power Shifts & Resolution
The turning point arrives when the woman turns thirty-nine. The power dynamic begins to shift as "He said, Open wide, poured olive oil down my throat," maintaining his control through food, but the speaker finally decides to take action against his abuse.
The ambiguous line "how could I not roll over on top" marks the moment of rebellion when she uses her body—the very thing he fetishized—as a weapon against him. The violent imagery of "I rolled and he drowned in my flesh" suggests she smothers him, taking control in a disturbing reversal of power.
The poem ends with dark ambiguity: "There was nothing else left in the house to eat." This final line leaves readers questioning whether she literally consumed him or simply left him dead while she faced starvation, having been made dependent on him for food. The cyclical structure becomes apparent—he who commanded "eat me" at the beginning is possibly eaten in the end.
Think about this: The poem explores addiction and dependency alongside abuse. The woman's relationship with both food and her partner becomes increasingly toxic and intertwined.
The final stanzas use end-stopped lines to create a sense of finality and resolution. The imagery of his "mouth slightly open, his eyes bulging with greed" presents him as ultimately consumed by his own deadly sin of gluttony, creating a powerful moral conclusion to this disturbing narrative.
Poetic Techniques & Themes
Agbabi constructs this poem as a dramatic monologue in ten tercets , using half-rhymes throughout to create an unsettling, uncertain feeling. The inconsistent rhyme scheme mirrors the instability of the relationship and adds to the suspicious tone.
The sound devices are particularly effective, with harsh consonants (K, D, T) in the final words of many lines reflecting the control exerted over the speaker. The poem also uses end-stopped lines to create a sense of routine and consistency—until the final stanza, where they emphasize the finality of death.
The poem explores several interconnected themes:
- Power and control through food and body manipulation
- Sexual objectification and dehumanization of women
- Gender dynamics and the male gaze
- Transgression and taboo relationships
Interesting connection: The poem's title and theme connect to fairy tales and children's literature, but twist these innocent references into something much darker, highlighting how control can be disguised as care.
The poem's frequent use of body imagery focuses almost exclusively on the female form rather than the male, reflecting societal preoccupation with women's bodies. This critique of how society views women's bodies gives the poem a feminist undertone despite its disturbing content.
Broader Significance & Interpretation
The death of the abuser at the poem's end can be interpreted symbolically as the death of societal judgment surrounding body image. This powerful reversal challenges conventional narratives about power dynamics between men and women.
The poem explores how men attempt to control women's bodies through various means—in this case, through food and fetishization. When the woman finally takes control, it represents a rejection of this patriarchal authority and suggests the possibility of liberation, albeit through extreme means.
The sexual nature of their relationship touches on taboo subjects that society often feels uncomfortable discussing. By bringing these topics to the foreground, Agbabi forces readers to confront the reality of abusive relationships and the objectification of women's bodies.
Consider this: The poem's ambiguous ending leaves us questioning who ultimately had power. Did the woman free herself, or is she now trapped in another way without her provider?
The cyclical structure of the poem—beginning with "eat me" as a command given to the woman and ending with the implication that she may have eaten him—creates a powerful commentary on how abuse can lead to violent rebellion when victims are pushed too far.
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Most popular content: Eat Me Poem
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exam Notes for 'Eat Me' by Patience Agbabi - Detailed Annotations
H
Hannah
@annah_vxtkuokhkvmzko
"Eat Me" by Patience Agbabi explores a disturbing relationship where food becomes a mechanism for control and abuse. This dramatic monologue follows a woman whose partner purposefully overfeeds her, objectifying her body for his own desires, until she finally takes... Show more
Understanding "Eat Me": Relationship & Control
"Eat Me" begins with a troubling celebration—the speaker's partner brings her a cake for her thirtieth birthday, but it's not to celebrate her age. Instead, "a candle for each stone in weight" shows how he's celebrating her size, immediately establishing the unhealthy dynamic.
The title "Eat Me" works as an imperative command that reveals the controlling nature of their relationship. It cleverly alludes to Alice in Wonderland, where eating the cake made Alice grow enormously—mirroring how the woman in the poem is manipulated into growing larger.
The partner's objectification becomes increasingly clear through violent and degrading language. He watches her "broad belly wobble, hips judder like a juggernaut," comparing her to an "unstoppable truck" that he finds sexually gratifying. The woman becomes reduced to his "Jacuzzi," his "breadfruit," and his "desert island"—all semantic fields that emphasize her as an object for his pleasure rather than a person.
Remember: The poem uses tercets and half-rhymes throughout, creating a sense of uncertainty that mirrors the speaker's unstable situation.
Water imagery runs throughout, with the woman feeling like "a beached whale" and "a tidal wave of flesh," emphasizing both her helplessness and her growing power. As the poem progresses, we see the woman become trapped by her condition—"too fat to leave, too fat to buy a pint of full-fat milk"—showing how the abuse has systematically isolated her.
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Power Shifts & Resolution
The turning point arrives when the woman turns thirty-nine. The power dynamic begins to shift as "He said, Open wide, poured olive oil down my throat," maintaining his control through food, but the speaker finally decides to take action against his abuse.
The ambiguous line "how could I not roll over on top" marks the moment of rebellion when she uses her body—the very thing he fetishized—as a weapon against him. The violent imagery of "I rolled and he drowned in my flesh" suggests she smothers him, taking control in a disturbing reversal of power.
The poem ends with dark ambiguity: "There was nothing else left in the house to eat." This final line leaves readers questioning whether she literally consumed him or simply left him dead while she faced starvation, having been made dependent on him for food. The cyclical structure becomes apparent—he who commanded "eat me" at the beginning is possibly eaten in the end.
Think about this: The poem explores addiction and dependency alongside abuse. The woman's relationship with both food and her partner becomes increasingly toxic and intertwined.
The final stanzas use end-stopped lines to create a sense of finality and resolution. The imagery of his "mouth slightly open, his eyes bulging with greed" presents him as ultimately consumed by his own deadly sin of gluttony, creating a powerful moral conclusion to this disturbing narrative.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Poetic Techniques & Themes
Agbabi constructs this poem as a dramatic monologue in ten tercets , using half-rhymes throughout to create an unsettling, uncertain feeling. The inconsistent rhyme scheme mirrors the instability of the relationship and adds to the suspicious tone.
The sound devices are particularly effective, with harsh consonants (K, D, T) in the final words of many lines reflecting the control exerted over the speaker. The poem also uses end-stopped lines to create a sense of routine and consistency—until the final stanza, where they emphasize the finality of death.
The poem explores several interconnected themes:
- Power and control through food and body manipulation
- Sexual objectification and dehumanization of women
- Gender dynamics and the male gaze
- Transgression and taboo relationships
Interesting connection: The poem's title and theme connect to fairy tales and children's literature, but twist these innocent references into something much darker, highlighting how control can be disguised as care.
The poem's frequent use of body imagery focuses almost exclusively on the female form rather than the male, reflecting societal preoccupation with women's bodies. This critique of how society views women's bodies gives the poem a feminist undertone despite its disturbing content.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Broader Significance & Interpretation
The death of the abuser at the poem's end can be interpreted symbolically as the death of societal judgment surrounding body image. This powerful reversal challenges conventional narratives about power dynamics between men and women.
The poem explores how men attempt to control women's bodies through various means—in this case, through food and fetishization. When the woman finally takes control, it represents a rejection of this patriarchal authority and suggests the possibility of liberation, albeit through extreme means.
The sexual nature of their relationship touches on taboo subjects that society often feels uncomfortable discussing. By bringing these topics to the foreground, Agbabi forces readers to confront the reality of abusive relationships and the objectification of women's bodies.
Consider this: The poem's ambiguous ending leaves us questioning who ultimately had power. Did the woman free herself, or is she now trapped in another way without her provider?
The cyclical structure of the poem—beginning with "eat me" as a command given to the woman and ending with the implication that she may have eaten him—creates a powerful commentary on how abuse can lead to violent rebellion when victims are pushed too far.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Eat Me Poem
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user