2. The Story of Eurydice
– From the Greek Legend of Orpheus and Eurydice, the poem follows the tale of two lovers who
are drawn apart after their wedding
– Whilst trapped in the underworld after dying suddenly, Eurydice awaits for her husband to come
and save her – Creating the typical love story of a damsel in distress
HOWEVER…
– Duffy adopts the hidden voice of Eurydice and explains the story of how she never wanted to
leave the underworld and how she despises Orpheus
– Often throughout the poem, Duffy creates a quite satirical tone towards the power men have
3. Themes in the Poem
– Male Arrogance vs Female Agency
– Misogyny + Literary culture
– Wisdom
– Power of Silence
4. Arrogance Vs Agency
Male Arrogance
– Duffy twists the perspective on its head
turning Orpheus into the Antagonist
Quotes
Female Agency
