Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Circe," the speaker embraces an unusual subject with both whimsicality and depth—the pig. Duffy, through the mythological figure of Circe, explores themes of transformation, power, and the multifaceted nature of beings, using vivid, sensory language that gives new life to the classical character known for her enchantments.

The poem begins with an affectionate yet pointed declaration of Circe's fondness for pigs—a fondness that encompasses all aspects of their existence, from their physical characteristics to their distinctive smells. The language is rich in sensory detail, with phrases like "the bristling, salty skin of their backs" and "their yobby, porky colognes," which bring the reader into Circe's world, where the mundane becomes intriguing and worthy of attention.

Circe's control over pigs, both metaphorical and literal, serves as a symbol of her power and expertise in transformation, as historically, she is known for turning men into pigs. This transformation is not just a punishment but an expression of her dominion and understanding of nature, which she articulates through an intimate knowledge of pigs' behaviors and characteristics.

The poem then shifts to a recipe, a cheeky play on words with "the cheek - and the tongue in cheek at that." This section is both literal and figurative, mixing culinary instructions with reflections on the abilities of the tongue, not just as a part of the body but as a tool of expression—licking, lapping, loosening, lubricating, and lying. Here, Duffy explores the dual nature of speech and taste, themes that resonate deeply in the context of Circe's story, where words and knowledge are forms of power.

Circe's reflection on the preparation of pig parts continues with ears, brains, trotters, shoulders, chops, and even the heart. Each part is treated with a mixture of culinary seriousness and a metaphorical exploration of its symbolic potential. For instance, the ears—are they listening? The heart—when it hardens, what does it become? These questions transform the cooking process into a meditation on human (and animal) nature and the transformations wrought by life experiences.

The poem closes with a poignant reminiscence of Circe's youth, linking her past desires for human connection—expressed through her waiting for ships and sailors—with her current, more cynical state. This reflection is filled with melancholy and a sense of time's passage, as Circe acknowledges her transformation from a young, hopeful figure into one marked by experiences and disappointments.

In the final lines, Duffy's Circe returns to the act of cooking, an echo of her magical practices and a metaphor for the ongoing processes of transformation and reinvention—both in the kitchen and in life. The poem, rich in imagery and layered in meaning, is a masterful reimagining of Circe's character, portraying her as both powerful and introspective, caught in the eternal act of creation and change.

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