Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2017

Conclusion

The question: “ How is Greek Mythology used by Carol Ann Duffy and Margaret Atwood to

convey significant meanings and feminist ideals to a modern audience?” has been answered

through a deep analysis of the works of Carol Ann Duffy and Margaret Atwood who use

allusions to Greek Mythology to enhance the meaning and significance of their poetry.

Atwood and Duffy utilise allusion to share feminist ideas, observations of mankind, and

contributions on love/ abusive relationships. Both writers make their poetry relatable to

modern audiences by incorporating ancient beliefs/myths into a contemporary setting which

reinforces the universal themes such as the power of love and the continuous mistreatment of

women. Duffy’s Thetis and Atwood’s Eurydice explore the pressures of conformity,

especially of women, in society – modern and ancient, as well as abusive relationships.

Through feminist ideas and understanding of these topics through Greek Myth in

contemporary culture, Duffy and Atwood raise significant awareness of gender inequality.

Circe and Siren Song, in a sense, attack the issues of gender inequality through explicit

language and clear imagery. Demeter gives significant meaning to modern readers as the

poem explores the enduring strength of maternal love that can be seen in more ancient

civilisations. Furthermore, I could continue this investigation by analysing any further use of

allusion in a variety of other poets/poems, especially by modern poets who use Greek

Mythology to voice universal truths to modern audiences. I am intrigued by historical-social

context, I could further explore the historical circumstances which might bring more meaning

to Duffy and Atwood’s poetry in modern society.

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Goldsmith