 "Little Red Cap" explores the dangers faced by young women and the predatory nature of some

men.
 "Thetis" delves into the burden of being a divine figure and the sacrifices made by mothers.
 "Queen Herod" tackles the issue of power and abuse of authority by a female ruler.
 "Mrs. Midas" addresses the consequences of unchecked power and greed.
 "Pilate's Wife" explores the moral dilemma faced by a woman in a position of power.
 "Mrs. Aesop" subverts traditional gender roles and asserts a woman's voice in storytelling.
 "Mrs. Sisyphus" challenges the notion of women as caregivers and explores the idea of
resilience.
 "Delilah" portrays a strong and cunning woman challenging traditional gender roles and power
dynamics in relationships.
 "Demeter" delves into the maternal bond and grief experienced by mothers.

 Identify the text, writer, year of publication and relevant context about the literary
work.
Introduction
 Identify the global issue you can see present within your chosen extract.
~30 seconds
 What do you know about the writer in terms of their exploration of this kind of issue?
 Can you make a link with the wider body of work or other bodies of work by this
writer?

 Consider the first half of your extract, how does the author present the global issue to
Part 1
you?
~ 2 minutes
 Can you refer to 2 examples and analyze the authorial choices and purpose?
1 Main Text
 Can you make a link to the wider body of work that is relevant to your analysis?

Part 2
 Consider the second half of your extract, how does the author present the global issue
~2 minutes
to you?
2 other texts
 Can you refer to 2 examples and analyze the authorial choices and purpose?
talking about
 Can you make a link to the wider body of work that is relevant to your analysis?
same GI

Conclusion  What implications does this presentation have for our understanding of the issue?
~30 seconds Can you make any links to your understanding of our society today?

Gender Inequality in Delilah, Mrs. Midas and Pilate’s Wife.

Delilah
1. Subverting the Patriarchal Narrative
 Duffy challenges the traditional portrayal of Delilah as a temptress and manipulator.
 The poem gives Delilah a voice and a perspective, exposing the power dynamics between her
and Samson.
 Delilah is depicted as a complex and sympathetic character, capable of love, compassion,
and agency.

2. Challenging Masculinity and Strength

 The poem deconstructs the idealized image of Samson as the embodiment of strength and
power.
 Instead, he is shown to be insecure, vulnerable, and dependent on Delilah.
 Duffy critiques the harmful aspects of traditional masculinity, particularly its focus on
dominance and control.
3. Exploring Female Agency and Choice
 Delilah's decision to cut Samson's hair is portrayed as an act of defiance against patriarchal
oppression.
 It symbolizes her desire for freedom, self-determination, and control over her own body and
life.
 The poem highlights the importance of female agency and the right to make independent
choices.

4. Questioning Double Standards

 The poem exposes the double standards applied to men and women in society.
 Delilah is judged and condemned for her actions, while Samson is largely absolved of
responsibility.
 This raises questions about fairness, equality, and the different expectations placed upon
genders.

5. Shifting the Focus from Seduction to Power

 Duffy redirects the narrative away from the traditional focus on Delilah's seductive beauty
and manipulative tactics.
 Instead, the poem emphasizes the power dynamics within the relationship and Delilah's
assertion of her agency.
 This shift challenges the objectification of women and promotes a more nuanced
understanding of gender roles.

6. Exploring the Complexity of Love

 Delilah's relationship with Samson is depicted as both passionate and problematic.
 The poem explores the complexities of love, including its potential for both joy and
suffering.
 Delilah's actions are not purely motivated by revenge or betrayal, but also by a desire to free
Samson from his own burdens.

Mrs. Midas
1. Silencing and Objectification
 The poem is written from the perspective of the rarely heard Mrs. Midas, giving voice to a
marginalized character.
 Her experiences and desires remain largely unseen and unheard, highlighting the silencing
of women in narratives.
 She is primarily seen as an object of possession and a vessel for her husband's desires,
emphasizing the objectification of women.

2. Unfulfilled Longings
 Mrs. Midas expresses her own unfulfilled desires and aspirations beyond serving her
husband's needs.
 She yearns for a child, a symbolic representation of fulfillment and a sense of purpose
denied to her.
 The poem highlights the limitations placed upon women's lives and the societal pressure to
conform to traditional roles.
3. Entrapment and Lack of Choice
 Mrs. Midas becomes trapped in a gilded cage, surrounded by material wealth but devoid of
genuine connection and fulfillment.
 Her situation reflects the limited choices available to women in patriarchal societies, with
their lives often dictated by the expectations of others.
  The poem challenges the idea of a "golden life" and exposes the emptiness and lack of
agency it can offer.

4. The Power of Words

 Even though silenced and marginalized, Mrs. Midas finds her own form of power through
words.
 The poem itself becomes her voice, giving expression to her frustrations, desires, and
ultimately, her defiance.
 This highlights the transformative power of language and storytelling as tools for self-
expression and liberation.

5. Critique of Greed and Materialism

 The poem critiques King Midas' obsession with wealth, highlighting its destructive
consequences.
 Mrs. Midas becomes an unintended victim of his greed, demonstrating how women are
often collateral damage in the pursuit of material gain.
 The poem challenges the societal values that prioritize material wealth over human
connection and emotional well-being.

6. A Redefinition of Femininity
 Mrs. Midas defies traditional expectations of femininity as passive and submissive.
 She demonstrates strength, resilience, and self-awareness in the face of adversity.
 The poem offers a more nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of womanhood, challenging
stereotypical gender roles.

7. Open-endedness and Ambiguity

 The poem ends with ambiguity, leaving the reader to ponder Mrs. Midas' ultimate fate and
the consequences of her actions.
 This open-endedness invites continued reflection and encourages individual interpretation.
 It emphasizes the complexity of gender roles and power dynamics, leaving room for further
dialogue and exploration.

Pilate’s Wife
1. Overview
 Explain the theme of gender inequality in the poem

2. Portrayal of Female Sexuality

 Describe how the poem celebrates and manifests St Procula’s sexuality
 Analyze the St Procula’s agency and expression of desire

3. Male Dominance and Control

 Examine the patriarchal power dynamics depicted in the poem
 Analyze the male character's insensitivity and control over St Procula

4. Silencing of St Procula's Voices

 Explore how the poem highlights the silencing of women's voices in history
 Analyze St Procula's struggle to be heard and her eventual empowerment