Mrs Midas

Question 1

introduce the poem and its theme

Answer 1

A reinterpretation of the King Midas myth from the perspective of his wife, Mrs. Midas.

Question 2

Key Themes

Answer 2

Transformation, consequences, desire, isolation, loss of intimacy

Question 3

Describe each them and analyse with a quote

Answer 3

Transformation-“that twig in his hand was gold”- Mr Midas is now able to turn everything he touches into gold

Consequences- “spitting out the teeth of the rich”- he physically can’t eat now

Desire-“he started to laugh”- he is proud of what he has done

Isolation-“I made him sit on the other side of the room”- she is feared of what he could do so she has isolated him to the other side of the room

Loss of intimacy- “I started to scream”- shows her realisation of what he could do if he touches her

Question 4

What is Mrs Midas’s perspective of the whole situation

Answer 4

Her mixed emotions about her husband’s golden touch.
Her sense of isolation and loneliness.

Question 4

What effect does this have on their relationship

Answer 4

King Midas’s gift leads to the disintegration of their relationship.
* The loss of intimacy and physical contact.
* Mrs. Midas’ sense of abandonment.

Question 5

What moral dilemma does Mrs Midas face

Answer 5

• Her internal conflict about her husband’s gift and her own desires.
  
  • The idea of moral choices and their consequences.