Writing poetry

To demonstrate your understanding of Duffy’s ideas, poetry and the dramatic

monologue form, you are going to create a poem of your own based on a biblical
story.

Remember that although your poem is based on an ancient story, it should be written
for a contemporary audience.

Consider this biblical figure and story.

Biblical figure: ‘Eve’ from the biblical story ‘Adam and Eve’.

Story: Adam and Eve were the first man and woman that God created on Earth. They
lived in a paradise God created (‘The Garden of Eden’) and were instructed not to eat
the ‘forbidden’ fruit. The serpent (the devil) tempted Eve into eating the fruit and
giving it to Adam. Because of their act, they and all their future descendants were
cast out of the garden by God.

How could a dramatic monologue help to convey the female perspective in this
story?

Check your thoughts against the feedback below.

Gathering ideas

Now you are going to use the poems you’ve studied so far as inspiration to help you
develop a plan. Follow these instructions and copy and complete the table with a
range of ideas from the ‘biblical’ poems you have studied (Queen Herod, The Devil’s
wife, Pilate’s wife, Delilah).

● Step one: Consider the poems in the first column and note down different
ideas and themes Duffy explores.
● Step two: In the second column, note down examples of literary and
structural devices Duffy uses in each poem. Aim for three ideas per poem.
● Step three: Then, in the final column, note down the key themes, ideas, and
features in relation to your own authorial intent and style as a writer.
 Title Changes and themes Form, structure and Ideas for
Duffy explored language features ‘Eve’

‘Queen
Herod’

‘The Devil’s
Wife’

‘Pilate’s Wife’

‘Delilah’

Remember, when you are writing for a modern audience you need to use your
imagination to create a convincing and relevant text. You can add modern contextual
details without changing the key themes, ideas and events in the poem.

Planning

Keeping in mind the various options you’ve already considered, you are now going to
refine your ideas. Consider how you’re going to convey your chosen themes
effectively, and communicate your purpose and point of view as a writer. Remember
to conduct any necessary research beforehand about the original story and how
readers have historically perceived the figure of ‘Eve’.
One step further . . .

You have now retold a story from a female perspective. What other women’s stories
would it be interesting to hear from their perspective and why?