The Long Queen

Question 1

Themes

Answer 1

Women’s voice
Women in history
Encompasses themes of collective- first poem
Female identity
Motherhood
Power
Childbirth
Suffering
Male dominance
Female power

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

1st poem - narrator of anthology - collector of female stories
Long sentences - longevity of life
Ballad - telling story
6 line regular stanzas - remains constant like monarchy
Lists
Italics

Question 3

Typicality and context

Answer 3

Use of lists
Taboo language - challenge social norms - post modern
Queen Victoria - 2nd longest reign
Queen Elizabeth I - never married

Question 4

Atwood

Answer 4

Femininity
Contrasting female power
Childbirth and fertility
Possessions
Fairytale imagery