The Long Queen

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

Rejection of patriarchal standards
Glorifying female power
Appreciation of female contribution
Aspects of femininity

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

• Ballad- telling a story, beginning, middle and end.

* Long sentences mirror longevity.

Question 3

Links

Answer 3

History - both are women in history. One is about weakening, the other about the longevity of a woman.
Beautiful – women are defined and described by what makes them female e.g. beauty or menstruation
Sub – the poem talks about the unlikelihood of women’s achievements but does not use hyperbole to do this – the language and events are all very realistic. Although the woman has no magical abilities, the character presented is fantastical (a patron saint of women). She is a normal person, elevated by her connection to other women. Both celebrate women roles in history – poem celebrates the life of QE1 and her power (although this is lessened by her being a woman). Both incorporate motherhood into a list of key qualities but makes this a limiting thing – like there is no power in it. Both present tenacious and remarkable women but there is a hesitation from QE1 to be fully powerful. There is no hesitation from the lady in Sub.

Question 4

Extra

Answer 4

• No particular name – like other poems (is this a universal poem, applying to many women)