Revisionist Mythmaking: Carol Ann Duffy’s “Eurydice” from The World’s Wife

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Carol Ann Duffy’s poem “Eurydice” which appeared in her poetry collection, The World’s Wife, in the light of the ‘Revisionist Mythmaking’ technique. Introduced by Alicia Ostriker, 'Revisionist Mythmaking' has been employed by postmodern women poets to challenge the stereotypical portrayal of females who have been ignored, oppressed, and abused in myth and literature. Duffy’s “Eurydice”, which uses the rewriting/ subversion technique of the myth of Eurydice and Orpheus, is a work that offers alternative perspectives on history. Unlike in the old myth in which Orpheus is the protagonist, Duffy makes Eurydice the heroine and gives her a voice, allowing her to write her poem. Eurydice speaks directly to the reader, expressing her desires, frustrations, and ultimately, her quest for autonomy. Duffy’s innovative approach to classical mythology breathes new life into old tales and invites readers to question the ingrained cultural narratives.