Contextual stuff

In classical mythology, Tiresias was a blind prophet. The story goes that one day he was walking in the woods when he came upon two serpents copulating; he struck them with his staff and thereupon was turned into a woman. Seven years later he repeated this action and was returned to the male state. Because Tiresias had experienced life both as a man and a woman, he was asked to 'solve' an argument between Zeus and his wife (also his sister) Hera about who enjoys the act of love the most. When Tiresias sided with Zeus, Hera blinded him in a fit of rage; to compensate, Zeus gave his the gift of foresight.

Theme

Gender, transformation

Language/imagery

The conversational opening 'All I know is this' is ironic as it contrasts the limited knowledge of the speaker with the unlimited knowledge of Tiresias the prophet. This first stanza is monosyllabic except for the final word 'female' which is end focussed to highlight the shocking nature of his transformation.

The description of Tiresias in the second stanza highlights his masculinity as he goes 'Out the back gate with his stick', the latter both an allusion to the myth and a phallic symbol, and he takes with him 'the dog', that is man's best friend. The description of Tiresias' clothing 'Harris tweed' has connotations of middle-age and dullness and the fact that his suit is one 'I'd patched at the elbows myself' reveals a clear division of gender roles within this marriage.

The single word stanza, 'Whistling', expresses normality and a tone of contentment and happiness.

The image of 'the first cuckoo of the spring' is a symbol of new beginning though Tiresias' plan to 'write to The Times' is perhaps pompous. There is a comic undertone in this stanza as the fact that the speaker had 'heard it before' mocks Tiresias' foresight.

The moment of transformation is dramatised through the time reference 'about 6 p.m.', the personification of the weather, 'sneer of thunder', and the short line length 'and felt / a sudden heat' all of which draw attention to the precise moment at which the transformation occurs.

The single line stanza 'He was late getting back' is ambiguous, as it appears to be a mundane complaint but may also be an allusion as, according to the myth, it was seven years later Tiresias returned as a man.

The image of the speaker 'brushing my hair at the mirror' is one of normality and feminine toilette. The face 'swam into view'; the description, symbolic of fluidity, is important in this poem which interrogates gender boundaries.

The speaker's assertion that the 'eyes were the same' is also significant as eyes are often called 'windows to the soul'; this suggests that Tiresias' identity hasn't changed which, in turn, suggests that identity is not defined by gender. Nevertheless the 'shocking V' reveals how disturbed the speaker is by the transformation while the end focus on 'I passed out' is humorous.

* between the stanzas usually signifies a break in time

'Life has to go on' - practical, cliche

pretend he's a twin - shame and embarrassment - importance of convention

'at first I tried to be kind' - foreshadowing

stereotypical women's activities he needs to learn - blow-drying his hair, shopping

'soft new shape' - comparing him to a baby?

Single line stanza - 'Then he started his period' - separated from other events for comic effect

the numbers increase 'One week' 'Two doctors' 'Three painkillers' 'four times' - implies that men are self-pitying?

similarly 'demanding full-paid menstrual leave twelve weeks per year' men take for granted their power and influence - humorous take on men's power and influence and the fact that they take for granted their right

'The curse' - ironic

he 'snapped' - he is hormonal and moody ; what men accuse women of

'I don't want folk getting the wrong idea' he's embarrassed to be taken for a lesbian?

 

Structure

The use of free verse highlights the fluidity of form, reflecting the fludity of gender and identity, key themes in this poem.