Carol Ann Duffy

Carol Ann Duffy decided to write poems about two secluded women who are both bizarre and both reclusive, but for very different reasons. I would like to show how Carol Ann presented those distinctions and similarities.
To begin with, the tone of the poem is very different Salome’s tone is somewhat nonchalant and Havisham’s tone is disheartening. In Havisham, Carol Ann Duffy uses alliteration to emphasise Ms Havisham’s hatred and frustration, by using the repetition of the fierce ‘b’ sound which in fact highlights the severity of her sorrow. This will lead the reader to have sympathy and pity toward Ms Havisham. Moreover, Havisham has assorted emotions towards her ex-fiancé, which she vividly expresses in an oxymoron; “Beloved sweetheart bastard”. Oxymoron is used to contrast two opposite things to reinforce them so they have a peculiar connection. This is effective because Lastly, the reader can see that Havisham’s feeling are over-flowing and cannot be contained any longer, in the poem every stanza overlaps and this illustrates Havisham’s unceasing flow of speech , the technique that Duffy had used was enjambment.

Though, the reasons of being forlorn are contrasting. Salome is aware of her loneliness and the fact that she was involved in many one night stands:
"I'd done it before (and doubtless I'll do it sooner or later)"
The reason of Havisham's spinster state is that she was deserted by her fiancé - she is not wanted anymore. Both ladies are exposing in the poem their feelings towards men. Havisham, has assorted emotions concerning her ex-fiancé, which she expresses in an oxymoron; "Beloved sweetheart bastard"

In my opinion, Salome doesn't really embark herself in a nonsexual relationship - she rather enjoys the enticement of physical intimacy. She doesn't even remember the name of the man, who slept in her bed all night. “Woke up with a head on the pillow beside me - whose? - what did it matter?"