Explore how relationships are presented in Manhunt (Armitage) and Duffy's Quickdraw
Relationships involve a range of feelings: from pain, guilt and suffering to excitement and joy. Unfortunately, due to the complex nature of relationships, these feelings may be experienced during the same relationship at different times or even at the same time. For example, ‘The Manhunt’ is a poem about love – a woman searching for the emotional connection with her husband after their relationship was affected by his experiences of war. As suggested by the title, the poem portrays feelings of longing as well as feelings of love. However, this is a poem of many levels as Armitage also strives to highlight the physical pain suffered by the husband. Furthermore, as Armitage explores this issue in the format of a dramatic monologue, choosing to take on the voice of another (in contrast to his usual style), the poem also presents Armitage’s sympathetic views towards this subject.
On the other hand, Duffy presents a much more sceptical view of relationships. It is also a relationship centred around pain – but in contrast to the deep emotional pain of ‘The Manhunt’, the pain here is caused by anger and mistrust caused by modern conveniences.
‘Manhunt’ presents an image of a united couple – the poem is written in a series of couplets which constantly reminds the reader that this relationship depends upon both people. However, at this moment in time, the husband is very much dependent on his wife. For example, “finger and thumb the parachute silk of his punctured lung”. The image of silk prompts us to sympathise with the soldier as he appears delicate; this is then emphasised by the punctured lung which highlights the physical suffering he has experienced. However, the persona does not resent this but nurses him back to health – highlighting the depth of their love. This causes us to empathise with their suffering.
In ‘Quickdraw’, Duffy also presents her couple as linked – although this time there is a feeling of distance and opposition caused by the title
On the other hand, Duffy presents a much more sceptical view of relationships. It is also a relationship centred around pain – but in contrast to the deep emotional pain of ‘The Manhunt’, the pain here is caused by anger and mistrust caused by modern conveniences.
‘Manhunt’ presents an image of a united couple – the poem is written in a series of couplets which constantly reminds the reader that this relationship depends upon both people. However, at this moment in time, the husband is very much dependent on his wife. For example, “finger and thumb the parachute silk of his punctured lung”. The image of silk prompts us to sympathise with the soldier as he appears delicate; this is then emphasised by the punctured lung which highlights the physical suffering he has experienced. However, the persona does not resent this but nurses him back to health – highlighting the depth of their love. This causes us to empathise with their suffering.
In ‘Quickdraw’, Duffy also presents her couple as linked – although this time there is a feeling of distance and opposition caused by the title