Mrs Midas

Question 1

'’Wiped the others glass like a brow’’

Answer 1

Simile introduces the importance of sense of touch to Mrs Midas - She is later no longer able to feel Midas’ touch.

Question 2

'’Dark of the ground seems to drink the light of the sky’’

Answer 2

Personification gives an ominous tone, reflects the idea of life being drained from something.

Question 3

'’What in the name of God is going on? He laughed’’

Answer 3

The question contrasted with a laugh makes us think why? He sees what his selfishness has brought him? Is it cruelty?

Question 4

'’Spitting out the teeth of the rich’’

Answer 4

The horror of what is happening becomes apparent, Midas can’t even eat. Represents the fact that his greed and desire for wealth has brought him to this.

Question 5

'’It was then that I started to scream. He sank to his knees’’

Answer 5

Scream demonstrates Mrs M’s horror while Midas ‘sank to his knees’ in despair.

Question 6

'’You’ll be able to give up smoking for good’’

Answer 6

Use of humour hints at a more positive tone, as Mrs M jokes that Midas will eventually be able to stop his bad habits.

Question 7

'’Separate beds’’

Answer 7

Summarises the full effect this has had on their relationship in a single statement.

Question 8

'’But now I feared his honeyed embrace, the kiss that would turn my lips to a work of art’’

Answer 8

She now rightly fears Midas’ touch as it would be deadly to her.