Carol Anne Duffys Adultery

A detailed Summary of Carol Anne Duffys Adultery

Carol Anne Duffy’s poem “Adultery” is structured in a traditional and

straightforward way. It is comprised of eleven verses - each with the common four

lines, which consist of between four and nine words. This makes the poem not

particularly striking at the first look, before it is read. The typography does not attract

the readers attention, this is probably because Duffy wants the reader to concentrate

on the language, and is not concerned with the shape that the lines form, or how they

Duffy does not seem particularly interested in rhyme in this poem, and probably

decided before writing it that she did not want any. Therefore rhyme has been

avoided, as has a regular, repetitive rhythm. I think that Duffy wants to allow the

language to speak for itself, without getting tangled up in rhyme and rhythm schemes,

and having to change what she wants to say in order to make it fit these limitations.

She also wants to avoid losing the impact of the poem. This has much to do

with the language used, poetic devices, and very often, the lack of rhythm, seen clearly

Throughout this poem Duffy is building up atmosphere. She uses language and

The second verse builds on the sexual intrigue with mentions of “hands can do

poem. Altogether, Duffy is revealing some of the emotions involved with adultery.

The caesura breaks up the line, balancing it, and giving greater impact and

There is also the matter of whether the adulterer is male or female. “Bastard”

this out so deliberately to highlight the fact that he/she has recently been sharing

Approximate Word count = 2098
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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