Mrs Beast: Carol Ann Duffy's Provocative Fairytale Reimagining

Have you ever stopped to think about the women in those old stories, the ones who often stood in the shadows of the heroes or the monsters? Well, it's almost as if Carol Ann Duffy did just that when she created 'Mrs Beast'. This isn't your grandmother's fairytale, not in the slightest. Here, we meet a character who completely flips the script on what we thought we knew about love, choices, and who truly holds the cards in a relationship. She offers a really different take, urging readers to consider a 'beast' as a partner instead of a conventional 'man', which is, you know, quite a statement.

This particular character, Mrs Beast, steps into the narrative with a certain kind of wisdom, a life lived, and a clear sense of her own worth. She arrives at the beast's home not as a scared, naive girl, but as someone who understands herself and her desires. Her story, which is a dramatic monologue, offers a stark contrast to the traditional tales we grew up with. It's a fresh voice, speaking up for those often overlooked figures in popular stories and age-old myths.

So, as we look closer at this fascinating poem, we'll explore just how Mrs Beast challenges those familiar narratives. We will also discover the clever ways Carol Ann Duffy uses this character to question societal expectations about women, relationships, and even what it means to be truly powerful. It's a piece that, arguably, still makes us think deeply about the stories we tell and the perspectives we hear.

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Table of Contents

• Mrs Beast: The Poem At A Glance
• Unveiling Mrs Beast: A Character Study
• A Tale Retold: Mrs Beast and the Original Fairytale
• The World's Wife and Its Powerful Voices
• Why Choose a Beast? Mrs Beast's Advice
• Mrs Beast's Arrival and Her Unyielding Spirit
• Mrs Beast's Legacy and Ongoing Relevance
• Frequently Asked Questions About Mrs Beast

Mrs Beast: The Poem At A Glance

Carol Ann Duffy's 'Mrs Beast' is a poem that, in some respects, truly stands out. It gives us a voice we don't usually hear in the retelling of classic fairytales. This piece came out in 1999, part of Duffy's much-talked-about collection called 'The World's Wife'. That whole collection, you know, tends to focus on giving a voice to the women from well-known stories and myths, women who, arguably, have often been pushed to the side or had their own narratives hidden.

This poem, 'Mrs Beast', is a direct reimagining of the classic 1740 French novella, 'Beauty and the Beast', which Madame Gabrielle de Villeneuve wrote. But here, the perspective shifts completely. It's not about a young woman discovering love and transforming a beast. Instead, it's about a woman who is already fully formed, quite experienced, and has some very clear ideas about what she wants in a partner. It’s a pretty bold move, actually, to change such a familiar story in this way.

The poem itself is a dramatic monologue, which means we hear directly from Mrs Beast herself. She tells her own story, offers her own thoughts, and gives her own advice, which is, you know, quite compelling. This format allows us to really get inside her head and understand her motivations, which are, very, very different from what we might expect from a 'Beauty' figure. It makes for a rather thought-provoking read, that.

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Key Details of 'Mrs Beast' (The Poem)

Unveiling Mrs Beast: A Character Study

The character of Mrs Beast is, honestly, a breath of fresh air in the world of fairytale retellings. She is presented not as a fragile, innocent maiden, but as a woman who has lived, learned, and gathered a certain kind of wisdom. The poem explicitly states that she advises the reader to "take a beast rather than a man as a lover," which is a rather striking piece of counsel. This suggestion immediately tells us a lot about her perspective on relationships and what she values in a partner. It's not about outward appearances, you know, or societal norms, but something deeper, perhaps more primal.

When she arrives at the beast's house, it's made clear that she is an "experienced woman." This detail is quite significant, as it positions her as someone who is not easily swayed or intimidated. She comes with her "own mind," her "own gold stashed in the bank," and her "own black" – phrases that paint a picture of independence, financial security, and a strong personal identity. She is, in a way, a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she brings to the table, which is, you know, quite empowering.

Her self-possession is a key part of her character. She isn't seeking rescue or transformation; rather, she seems to be seeking a connection on her own terms. This contrasts so much with the typical fairytale heroine, who often needs a prince to save her or complete her. Mrs Beast, by contrast, is already complete. She is, essentially, a woman who has chosen her path, and that path leads her to a beast, not a prince, which is rather interesting, don't you think?

A Tale Retold: Mrs Beast and the Original Fairytale

'Mrs Beast' stands as a complete contrast to the original fairytale, as a matter of fact. The traditional "Beauty and the Beast" narrative, while charming, usually portrays Beauty as a virtuous, pure figure who, through her kindness, helps the misunderstood beast transform into a handsome prince. The focus is often on the beast's redemption and the triumph of inner goodness over outward appearance. But in Duffy's version, the story takes a very different turn, you know, right from the start.

The beast in Duffy’s poem, it's worth noting, is still depicted as kind, loving, and generous, much like his counterpart in the original story. So, the beast himself isn't the one who needs changing. What has changed, rather, is the woman's perspective and her agency within the narrative. Mrs Beast isn't there to change him; she's there because she wants him, just as he is. This shifts the entire dynamic of the relationship, placing the woman's desires and choices at the very center of the story, which is, in some respects, a truly fresh approach.

This reimagining challenges the idea that a woman's purpose is to "fix" or "tame" a man. Instead, Mrs Beast embraces the beast for who he is, finding value in his beastly nature. This suggests a deeper, more accepting form of love, one that doesn't rely on physical transformation or societal approval. It's a rather powerful statement about accepting differences and finding connection outside of conventional expectations. You know, it really makes you think about what true love might look like, doesn't it?

The World's Wife and Its Powerful Voices

'Mrs Beast' is a very important part of Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry collection, 'The World’s Wife', published in 1999. This collection, you know, is famous for its focus on giving voice to the women from popular stories and myths who have, quite often, been obscured by their male counterparts or by the dominant narratives. It’s a fascinating project, actually, where Duffy takes these familiar tales and spins them around, showing us what they might look like from a woman's point of view. This includes characters like Mrs Midas, Queen Kong, and, of course, Mrs Beast, among others.

The collection essentially acts as a platform for these forgotten or silenced women to speak their truth, share their experiences, and offer their own interpretations of events. It’s about reclaiming their stories, you know, and giving them agency. This approach allows readers to see these myths and fairytales through a completely new lens, challenging the traditional patriarchal interpretations that have shaped them for centuries. It’s a very clever way to make us reconsider what we thought we knew about these enduring figures.

By placing 'Mrs Beast' within 'The World's Wife', Duffy reinforces the poem's central message about female empowerment and the importance of diverse perspectives. It’s not just a standalone reimagining; it's part of a larger conversation about gender roles, power dynamics, and the act of storytelling itself. The collection, basically, invites us to question who gets to tell the stories, and whose voices are heard, which is, you know, rather crucial for a full picture.

Why Choose a Beast? Mrs Beast's Advice

Mrs Beast's core advice to the reader is, quite frankly, provocative: "What you want to do is find yourself a beast." This isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a bold declaration that challenges conventional notions of romance and partnership. She implies that there's something more genuine, perhaps more fulfilling, in a relationship with a 'beast' than with a typical 'man'. This might suggest that men, in her experience, come with their own set of complications or expectations that she finds less appealing than the straightforward nature of a beast.

Her own journey to the beast's house reinforces this philosophy. She states, "Myself, I came to the house of the beast no longer a girl, knowing my own mind, my own gold stashed in the bank, my own black." This personal account serves as a powerful example of her advice in action. She didn't wait to be chosen or rescued; she actively sought out her desired partner, fully equipped with her own resources and self-awareness. It's a very clear message about proactive choice and independence in relationships, which is, you know, quite inspiring.

This advice encourages readers to look beyond superficial appearances and societal pressures when choosing a partner. It suggests that true compatibility might lie in unexpected places, with individuals who don't fit the mold of what's traditionally considered desirable. The beast, in this context, might represent authenticity, a lack of pretense, or even a raw, untamed passion that Mrs Beast finds more appealing than the polished facade of a 'man'. It's, in a way, a call to embrace the unconventional, and that's rather compelling, isn't it?

Mrs Beast's Arrival and Her Unyielding Spirit

Mrs Beast's arrival at the beast's house is not that of a timid visitor; rather, it’s the entrance of a woman who is fully in charge of her own journey. The poem tells us she "came to the house of the beast no longer a girl," emphasizing her maturity and experience. She has her "own mind," which means she makes her own decisions, and her "own gold stashed in the bank," which points to financial independence. She also has her "own black," which, arguably, suggests a personal history or perhaps a certain strength of character that she brings with her. This picture of her is, you know, very different from the usual fairytale heroine.

Her interactions with the beast also show her unyielding spirit. The text mentions, "So I was hard on the beast, win or lose, when I got upstairs, those tragic girls in my head, turfing him out of bed." This line reveals a woman who is assertive, even demanding, and not afraid to take control. The phrase "those tragic girls in my head" hints at a past awareness of other women's struggles or perhaps the unfortunate fates of traditional fairytale heroines. This awareness fuels her determination to forge her own path, one where she is not a victim, but a master of her own destiny. It's a pretty strong stance, actually.

Standing alone on the balcony, feeling "the night so cold I could taste the stars on the tip," she embodies a solitary strength, a woman comfortable in her own presence, even in the vastness of the night. This imagery further cements her as a figure of independence and resilience. She is not defined by her relationship with the beast, but rather, she brings her complete self to it. It’s a rather powerful depiction of a woman who knows her worth and isn't afraid to assert it, which is, you know, quite admirable.

Mrs Beast's Legacy and Ongoing Relevance

The poem 'Mrs Beast' by Carol Ann Duffy remains a provocative and defiant reimagining of traditional fairy tales, truly from the perspective of a female narrator who identifies with the beast. This identification is a key element, as it signifies a rejection of traditional beauty standards and an embrace of something raw, perhaps even primal. The poem's continued discussion, even today, shows its lasting impact. People are still talking about it, you know, which is a good sign.

In a world that, arguably, still grapples with gender roles and expectations, Mrs Beast's message feels as relevant as ever. Her advice to choose a 'beast' over a 'man' can be interpreted as a call to seek authenticity, to value substance over superficiality, and to prioritize one's own desires in relationships. It’s a very clear statement about female agency and the right to define one's own happiness, which is, in some respects, a timeless idea.

The poem encourages readers to question the narratives they've inherited and to consider alternative viewpoints. It reminds us that stories, like life, can be seen from many angles, and that giving voice to those who have been silenced can offer profound new insights. Mrs Beast, in her wisdom and independence, stands as a symbol of defiance against conventional norms, making her story a compelling read for anyone interested in literature that pushes boundaries. Learn more about poetry and its impact on our site, and link to this page for more on literary reimagining.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mrs Beast

What is "Mrs Beast" about?

'Mrs Beast' is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy that reimagines the classic "Beauty and the Beast" fairytale from a woman's perspective. It tells the story of an experienced, independent woman who chooses a 'beast' as a lover over a 'man', and advises others to do the same. It's about female agency and challenging traditional narratives, you know, quite a lot.

Who wrote "Mrs Beast"?

'Mrs Beast' was written by the acclaimed Scottish poet Carol Ann Duffy. It was published in 1999 as part of her well-known collection, 'The World's Wife', which, arguably, gives voice to many women from popular stories and myths.

How does "Mrs Beast" differ from "Beauty and the Beast"?

'Mrs Beast' differs significantly from the original "Beauty and the Beast" by focusing on an experienced, self-possessed female protagonist who actively chooses the beast, rather than being a young woman who transforms him. The beast in Duffy's version is still kind, but the story centers on Mrs Beast's independence and her provocative advice to seek out a beast instead of a man. It's a complete contrast, you know, in its perspective.

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