MRS TIRESIAS
Carol Ann Duffy
, CONTEXT
• In Greek mythology Tiresias is a blind prophet, and a priest of
Zeus. The myth ends with Tiresias undergoing a sex-change.
• There are several tales involving Tiresias, but Duffy’s poem
explores the aftermath of Tiresias being offended by the sight
of two snakes having sex.
• Tiresias then beats the snakes with a stick, angering Hera
(Zeus’s wife).
• Her rage at Tiresias’s interference with the sexual act
prompted her to punish him by changing his gender.
• “Mrs Tiresias” explores Tiresias’ wife’s reaction to him
returning as a woman.
, ANALYSIS
Bold
statement All I know is this: Enjambment
- Talking he went out for his walk a man highlights gender
directly to and came home female. change
the reader The stick is mention
- Dramatic
Out the back gate with his stick, passing by Mrs Tires
monologue this is surely a refere
- In media res the dog;
the stick used by the
wearing his gardening kecks,
Tiresias to beat the s
an open-necked shirt,
Tiresias was and a jacket in Harris tweed I'd patched at the elbows
oblivious to his myself.
shortcomings
Whistling.
Carol Ann Duffy
, CONTEXT
• In Greek mythology Tiresias is a blind prophet, and a priest of
Zeus. The myth ends with Tiresias undergoing a sex-change.
• There are several tales involving Tiresias, but Duffy’s poem
explores the aftermath of Tiresias being offended by the sight
of two snakes having sex.
• Tiresias then beats the snakes with a stick, angering Hera
(Zeus’s wife).
• Her rage at Tiresias’s interference with the sexual act
prompted her to punish him by changing his gender.
• “Mrs Tiresias” explores Tiresias’ wife’s reaction to him
returning as a woman.
, ANALYSIS
Bold
statement All I know is this: Enjambment
- Talking he went out for his walk a man highlights gender
directly to and came home female. change
the reader The stick is mention
- Dramatic
Out the back gate with his stick, passing by Mrs Tires
monologue this is surely a refere
- In media res the dog;
the stick used by the
wearing his gardening kecks,
Tiresias to beat the s
an open-necked shirt,
Tiresias was and a jacket in Harris tweed I'd patched at the elbows
oblivious to his myself.
shortcomings
Whistling.
