Mrs Midas Flashcards
(34 cards)
“It was late September.”
A relaxed atmosphere and a scene of domesticity is established. The time of year reflects the poem’s central ideas. The golden colours of Autumn and that it is a transitional stage.
“its steamy breath gently blanching the windows.”
Personification of the condensation on her windows also adds to the warm and relaxed atmosphere. This reflects Mrs Midas’ mood and contrasts with her husbands behaviour to follow.
“under the pear tree snapping a twig.”
The appealing atmosphere is shattered and the harsh consonant sounds creates an unpleasant tone. This contrasts with the soft sounds associated with the start of the stanza.
“dark of the ground seems to drink the light of the sky,”
Personification gives the poem a more sinister and ominous feel. It foreshadows a problem occurring.
“sat in his palm, like a lightbulb.”
Simile - contrasts the lack of light in the first lines of the stanza with the brightness of the pear and twig. It conveys the shape of the pear and the intensity of the light emanating from it.
“On.”
Minor one word sentence - adds dramatic and comedic effect. Mrs Midas is in complete disbelief which is represented by the fact that a lightbulb should not be on if its in his palm.
“Is he putting fairy lights in the tree?”
The whimsical and humorous imagery continues with the rhetorical question. It has a very conversational tone and there is a dramatic irony as she’s reaching for what on earth could be happening.
“the Field of the Cloth of Gold”
Mrs Midas is reminded of a history lesson where the kings went to show off their wealth and everything was covered in gold. It emphasises Midas’ desire to show off his new gift.
“strange, wild, vain.”
This tripartite structure reflects Midas’ greed and selfishness. He is excited by his new power and is which was motivated by greed. It also emphasises Mrs Midas’ criticism of her husband.
“What in the name of God is going on? He started to laugh.”
Her question again highlights her disbelief. ‘Laugh’ suggests the difference between their reactions. She is in dismay and whereas he appears to find it amusing.
“For starters, corn on the cob. […] spitting out the teeth of the rich.”
Comedic because Mrs Midas is attempting to return to a sense of normality by continuing on with her usual chores. The humorous metaphor conveys the negative effects of his new gift. The appropriate choice of food allows for effective imagery of Midas spitting out the corn that has now turned into gold. He can’t enjoy simple pleasures like eating now.
“with a shaking hand,”
‘Shaking’ suggests that Mrs Midas’ anxiety is growing more prominent. She is realising the severity of the situation.
“the glass, goblet, golden chalice, drank.”
Alliteration and hard consonant sound of ‘g’ adds to the drama and seriousness of the situation. The blend of the vowels also links to the splendour of the item.
“It was then that I started to scream. He sank to his knees.”
A dramatic opening to the next stanza. They are both accepting the reality of what is happening and the consequences.
“I made him sit on the other side of the room and keep his hands to himself.”
Theme of change - Midas still seeks to maintain a physical relationship with his wife. Her behaviour reflects the new distance in their relationship brought on by the circumstances.
“I couldn’t believe my ears:
how he’d had a wish.”
The enjambment between stanzas creates a deliberate pause which underlines Mrs Midas’ utter shock in response to her husband’s confession.
“Look, we all have wishes; granted. But who has wishes granted? Him.”
‘Granted’ creates a comedic pun whilst the rhetoric question conveys Mrs Midas’ disgust for her husband. The one-word minor sentence also adds to her disapproval.
“It feeds no one; aurum, soft, untarnishable, slakes no first.”
The list of criticisms from Mrs Midas towards her husband’s choice of wish reflect her true emotions. She explicitly states his foolishness and exposes the uselessness of gold.
“you’ll be able to give up smoking for good.”
Comedic line contrasts with her more serious comment previously. The stanza ends on a more positive note with Mrs Midas evaluating a pro of the situation.
“Separate beds.”
Minor sentences - summarises the full effect Midas’ actions have had on their relationship in a single statement.
“near petrified”
‘Petrified’ is a pun because she’s not only scared but she will also be literally petrified if she is turned into gold when he touches her. Mrs Midas transitions from being confused, to angry then to scared.
“turning the spare room into the tomb of Tutankhamun.”
Metaphor - comedically symbolises how their relationship is now effectively dead.
“You see we were passionate then … unwrapping each other, rapidly, like presents,”
‘You see’ conveys Mrs Midas’ chatty and informal tone as she narrates her story. The simile emphasises their close sexual relationship before Midas was granted his wish. This juxtaposes ‘separate beds’ and underlines the negative impact it has had on their relationship.
“And who, … can live with a heart of gold?”
‘Heart of gold’ usually has positive connotations which are associated with a kind person. However in this case the metaphor is inverted because the literal meaning is implied. It is impossible to live with a heart made of solid gold.
