Tone of Voice
- Conversational tone
The uses of colloquial language, hypophora, and dramatic monologue create a conversational tone throughout the poem. Many of the words in the poem are languages that appear in people's daily conversations and thus many readers feel as if they are having a conversation with the narrator directly rather than reading the poem. Moreover, Duffy uses a hypophora in the poem. Mrs. Sisyphus not only tells the readers about what is going on but also asks thema a question in order to help them be more engaged in the conversation. In addition to these, the poem is told from Mrs. Sisyphus' point of view only. Even Sisyphus' thoughts are conveyed through the voice of Mrs. Sisyphus. Therefore, readers feel as if they are discussing with Mrs. Sisyphus.
Effect: Since the purpose of the poem is to raise awareness of the readers about the fact that many women are trivialized by men in many societies. Through the use of conversational tone, Duffy intends to convey the message more clearly by helping leaders to be engaged in the poem and thus attempts to make changes in the society.