Introduction: “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
“Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy, first appeared in her 1996 collection, Rapture, is popular for its exploration of biblical themes. It explores the complex relationship between Samson and Delilah. Duffy presents Delilah as a figure misunderstood and exploited, challenging traditional portrayals of her as a femme fatale. The poem highlights the power dynamics at play, suggesting that Delilah’s actions may have been driven by desperation or a desire for agency, rather than mere malice.
Text: “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
Teach me, he said—
we were lying in bed—
how to care.
I nibbled the purse of his ear.
What do you mean?
Tell me more.
He sat up and reached for his beer
I can rip out the roar
from the throat of a tiger,
or gargle with fire
or sleep one whole night in the Minotaur’s lair,
or flay the bellowing fur
from a bear,
all for a dare.
There’s nothing I fear.
Put your hand here—
he guided my fingers over the scar
over his heart,
a four-medal wound from the war—
but I cannot be gentle, or loving, or tender.
I have to be strong.
What is the cure?
He f**ked me again
until he was sore,
then we both took a shower.
Then he lay with his head on my lap
for a darkening hour;
his voice, for a change, a soft burr
I could just about hear.
And, yes, I was sure
that he wanted to change,
my warrior.
I was there.
So when I felt him soften and sleep,
when he started, as usual, to snore,
I let him slip and slide and sprawl, handsome and huge,
on the floor.
And before I fetched and sharpened my scissors—
snipping first at the black and biblical air—
I fastened the chain to the door.
That’s the how and the why and the where.
Then with deliberate, passionate hands
I cut every lock of his hair.
Annotations: “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
| Line | Text | Annotation |
| 1 | Teach me, he said— | Samson requests to be taught by Delilah. |
| 2 | we were lying in bed— | Setting of their intimate moment. |
| 3 | how to care. | Samson desires tenderness and affection. |
| 4 | I nibbled the purse of his ear. | A playful, intimate gesture. |
| 5 | What do you mean? | Delilah seeks clarification. |
| 6 | Tell me more. | Delilah expresses interest in learning. |
| 7 | He sat up and reached for his beer | Samson’s response, perhaps seeking comfort or distraction. |
| 8 | I can rip out the roar | Delilah’s declaration of her strength and abilities. |
| 9 | from the throat of a tiger, | A hyperbolic example of her power. |
| 10 | or gargle with fire | Another exaggerated claim. |
| 11 | or sleep one whole night in the Minotaur’s | Reference to the mythical creature, symbolizing danger. |
| 12 | lair, | Continuation of the reference to the Minotaur. |
| 13 | or flay the bellowing fur | Another example of her physical prowess. |
| 14 | from a bear, | Continuation of the example. |
| 15 | all for a dare. | Delilah’s willingness to perform dangerous acts. |
| 16 | There’s nothing I fear. | A statement of her boldness and confidence. |
| 17 | Put your hand here— | Delilah gestures to a physical mark. |
| 18 | he guided my fingers over the scar | Samson reveals a personal wound. |
| 19 | over his heart, | The location of the scar, suggesting emotional depth. |
| 20 | a four-medal wound from the war— | A symbol of Samson’s past and experiences. |
| 21 | but I cannot be gentle, or loving, or tender. | Samson’s acknowledgment of his own limitations. |
| 22 | I have to be strong. | Samson’s belief in the necessity of strength. |
| 23 | What is the cure? | Samson seeks a solution to his emotional dilemma. |
| 24 | He f**ked me again | A physical act, perhaps a temporary escape or release. |
| 25 | until he was sore, | A sign of intensity or exhaustion. |
| 26 | then we both took a shower. | A cleansing act, possibly symbolizing renewal or purification. |
| 27 | Then he lay with his head on my lap | A gesture of vulnerability and trust. |
| 28 | for a darkening hour; | A peaceful moment of connection. |
| 29 | his voice, for a change, a soft burr | A shift in Samson’s demeanor. |
| 30 | I could just about hear. | A subtle indication of Delilah’s attentiveness. |
| 31 | And, yes, I was sure | Delilah’s belief in Samson’s desire for change. |
| 32 | that he wanted to change, | A hope for a positive transformation. |
| 33 | my warrior. | A term of endearment or respect. |
| 34 | I was there. | Delilah’s assertion of her presence and support. |
| 35 | So when I felt him soften and sleep, | A moment of vulnerability. |
| 36 | when he started, as usual, to snore, | A mundane, everyday occurrence. |
| 37 | I let him slip and slide and sprawl, handsome | A description of Samson’s relaxed state. |
| 38 | and huge, | Emphasizing Samson’s physical stature. |
| 39 | on the floor. | A symbol of his vulnerability or helplessness. |
| 40 | And before I fetched and sharpened my scissors— | A foreshadowing of Delilah’s actions. |
| 41 | snipping first at the black and biblical air— | A symbolic gesture, perhaps representing a break from tradition or religious norms. |
| 42 | I fastened the chain to the door. | A practical action, securing the room. |
| 43 | That’s the how and the why and the where. | A summary of the events. |
| 44 | Then with deliberate, passionate hands | A description of Delilah’s actions. |
| 45 | I cut every lock of his hair. | The climax of the poem, symbolizing the loss of Samson’s strength and power. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
| Literary/Poetic Device | Definition | Example from “Delilah” | Explanation |
| Alliteration | Repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in nearby words. | “snipping first at the black and biblical air” | The repetition of the “b” sound in “black” and “biblical” emphasizes the action and creates a rhythmical flow. |
| Assonance | Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. | “sleep, when he started, as usual, to snore” | The repetition of the “e” sound in “sleep” and “snore” creates a sense of fluidity, mimicking the sound of soft breathing or snoring. |
| Metaphor | A figure of speech where something is described as if it were something else. | “I can rip out the roar from the throat of a tiger” | The speaker is not literally ripping a roar from a tiger’s throat but uses this metaphor to express bravery and power. |
| Simile | A comparison using “like” or “as.” | “like his head on my lap for a darkening hour” | Compares the resting of his head on her lap to the idea of time darkening, suggesting emotional heaviness. |
| Personification | Attributing human characteristics to non-human things. | “gargle with fire” | Fire is given human-like behavior by saying it can be gargled, adding a surreal, heroic quality. |
| Hyperbole | Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. | “I can rip out the roar from the throat of a tiger” | An exaggerated claim of strength and bravery to emphasize the character’s sense of invincibility. |
| Irony | A contrast between expectation and reality. | “I let him slip and slide and sprawl, handsome and huge, on the floor.” | The ironic contrast between his strength and masculinity, and his vulnerability as he lies helplessly on the floor. |
| Enjambment | The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line. | “he guided my fingers over the scar / over his heart” | The lack of pause between these lines mimics the fluid motion of her fingers moving over his scar. |
| Imagery | Descriptive language that appeals to the senses. | “I nibbled the purse of his ear” | This vivid image appeals to the sense of touch and taste, drawing the reader into the intimate moment. |
| Symbolism | Using symbols to signify ideas and qualities beyond their literal sense. | “I cut every lock of his hair” | His hair symbolizes his strength, masculinity, and perhaps control, which she takes away by cutting it. |
| Internal Rhyme | Rhyme within a single line of poetry. | “there’s nothing I fear / Put your hand here” | The rhyme between “fear” and “here” within a single line emphasizes the connection between his bravado and his vulnerability. |
| Tone | The attitude or approach the author takes towards the subject. | Throughout the poem | The tone shifts from playful and intimate to somber and even vengeful, reflecting the complexity of the relationship. |
| Juxtaposition | Placing two contrasting elements side by side. | “But I cannot be gentle, or loving, or tender. I have to be strong.” | The juxtaposition of tenderness and strength highlights the conflict within the male character’s emotions and identity. |
| Consonance | Repetition of consonant sounds in the middle or end of words. | “Put your hand here—he guided my fingers over the scar” | The repetition of the “r” sound in “scar” and “here” connects the two ideas of physical pain and emotional vulnerability. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. | “I can rip… I can gargle… I can sleep” | The repetition of “I can” emphasizes the character’s strength and capability. |
| Repetition | Repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis. | “Teach me, he said… Tell me more” | The repetition of his request for teaching emphasizes his desire for emotional understanding. |
| Allusion | A brief reference to a person, place, or event, often historical or mythological. | “sleep one whole night in the Minotaur’s lair” | References the Greek myth of the Minotaur, symbolizing danger, bravery, and fearlessness. |
| Caesura | A strong pause within a line of poetry. | “Put your hand here—he guided my fingers” | The pause after “here” creates a dramatic moment, allowing the reader to reflect on the action. |
| Oxymoron | A combination of contradictory terms. | “soft burr” | Combines softness (gentleness) with “burr,” which suggests something rough, indicating a contradiction in the character’s personality. |
Themes: “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
- Power and Control: The theme of power dynamics is central to “Delilah”, with references to physical strength and dominance, particularly from the male character. He boasts of his ability to perform heroic acts such as ripping the “roar from the throat of a tiger” or “gargling with fire.” These exaggerated claims of power highlight his obsession with physical strength and invincibility. However, the moment Delilah cuts his hair, she symbolically seizes control, stripping him of his strength and undermining his masculinity. The act of cutting his hair while he is vulnerable underscores the transfer of power from him to her.
- Love and Intimacy: The poem explores the complex nature of love and intimacy, which are often juxtaposed with power and control. The intimate moments between Delilah and the man—such as when she “nibbled the purse of his ear” and when he lays his head in her lap for “a darkening hour”—contrast with his inability to express tenderness. He admits, “I cannot be gentle, or loving, or tender,” emphasizing the conflict between his emotional desires and the rigid masculinity he feels compelled to uphold. This tension between love and emotional vulnerability reflects the difficulty of genuine connection in the relationship.
- Gender Roles and Masculinity: Duffy’s poem critiques traditional notions of masculinity, showing how the male character is trapped by societal expectations of strength and invulnerability. His self-proclaimed feats of daring reflect an exaggerated form of masculine bravado, yet he confesses his inability to express tenderness, revealing a deeper vulnerability. The scar “over his heart” symbolizes both his emotional and physical wounds, representing the burden of living up to these masculine ideals. Delilah’s act of cutting his hair—an emasculating gesture—challenges these gender norms, suggesting that true strength may lie in vulnerability rather than brute force.
- Betrayal and Transformation: The theme of betrayal echoes the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, but Duffy gives it a modern twist. Delilah’s actions can be interpreted as an act of betrayal when she cuts the man’s hair, rendering him powerless. The betrayal is deliberate and calculated—she even “fastened the chain to the door” before carrying out the act. However, this betrayal is not purely malicious; it can be seen as a transformative moment for both characters. The man’s loss of strength signals a shift in their relationship and perhaps a step toward self-realization. Delilah, too, transforms from a passive lover to an active agent in reclaiming her own power.
Literary Theories and “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
| Literary Theory | Key Concepts | References from “Delilah” |
| Feminist Criticism | Examines how gender is represented in literature, often focusing on the portrayal of women and their experiences. | – Delilah’s agency and decision-making: “I fastened the chain to the door.” – The subversion of traditional gender roles: Delilah as a powerful figure, not merely a victim. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Analyzes the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior, often drawing on Freud’s theories. | – Samson’s desire for control and power: “I have to be strong.” – Delilah’s possible motivations: a need for love, revenge, or self-preservation. |
| Deconstruction | Challenges the idea of a fixed meaning in texts, focusing on contradictions and ambiguities. | – The ambiguous nature of Delilah’s actions: are they motivated by love or betrayal? – The questioning of traditional interpretations of the biblical story. |
Critical Questions about “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
- How does the poem challenge traditional gender roles, particularly in the depiction of masculinity?
- The poem “Delilah” challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a male character who is outwardly strong but inwardly conflicted. The man boasts about his physical prowess, claiming he can “rip out the roar from the throat of a tiger” or “gargle with fire.” These exaggerated assertions reflect stereotypical masculine ideals of strength and fearlessness. However, despite this bravado, he reveals his emotional vulnerability by admitting that he cannot be “gentle, or loving, or tender.” This contrast exposes the limitations of rigid masculinity, showing that it suppresses emotional expression. Delilah’s act of cutting his hair—symbolic of taking away his power—reverses the gender dynamic, as she becomes the one in control. This challenges the notion that masculinity is inherently linked to dominance and strength, suggesting that vulnerability and emotional openness might be stronger qualities.
- In what ways does the poem depict power dynamics within the relationship between Delilah and the male character?
- Power dynamics play a central role in the poem, shifting between Delilah and the man. At the start, the man appears to hold the power, boasting about his physical feats and his ability to endure hardship. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that his emotional strength does not match his physical prowess. He asks Delilah, “Teach me… how to care,” revealing his inability to connect on an emotional level. In contrast, Delilah’s quiet patience, highlighted by her care and attentiveness (“he lay with his head on my lap for a darkening hour”), suggests that she possesses a different kind of power—one rooted in emotional awareness. The ultimate shift in power comes when Delilah cuts his hair while he sleeps, a deliberate act that robs him of his physical strength. This act symbolizes her ability to control him and subverts the typical power dynamic of a relationship where the man is physically dominant.
- How does the poem reflect the complexities of love and intimacy?
- Delilah explores the complexities of love and intimacy through the juxtaposition of physical and emotional connection. The man seeks affection and comfort from Delilah, as seen when he lays his head in her lap and speaks in a “soft burr.” However, his inability to be “gentle, or loving, or tender” reflects an emotional disconnect despite his physical closeness. The repeated acts of sex (“He f**ked me again until he was sore”) further highlight this disconnect, as the physical act of love becomes a substitute for the emotional connection he struggles to express. Delilah’s response to his vulnerability—cutting his hair—can be interpreted as an attempt to free him (and herself) from this cycle of emotional repression. The poem suggests that love is not just about physical closeness but requires emotional honesty and tenderness, which the man is unable to provide.
- What role does betrayal play in the poem, and how does it relate to the theme of transformation?
- Betrayal is a key theme in Delilah, but it is portrayed as more complex than a simple act of treachery. Delilah’s decision to cut the man’s hair while he sleeps echoes the biblical betrayal of Samson, yet in Duffy’s version, it feels less malicious and more transformative. The moment of betrayal is premeditated—Delilah “fastened the chain to the door” before cutting his hair, suggesting that she has taken control of the situation. However, this act of betrayal could also be seen as an attempt to initiate change. The man’s obsession with physical strength has left him emotionally stunted, and by removing his hair, Delilah symbolically strips away his reliance on external power, forcing him to confront his vulnerabilities. The betrayal, therefore, serves as a catalyst for transformation, not only for the man but also for Delilah, who seizes power in the relationship and possibly frees herself from his emotional demands.
Literary Works Similar to “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
- “Medusa” by Carol Ann Duffy: Both poems are modern retellings of mythological women, focusing on themes of power, betrayal, and transformation through the lens of a female perspective.
- “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning: Like “Delilah”, this dramatic monologue explores themes of control, power, and the complexities of relationships, highlighting the destructive consequences of dominance.
- “Salome” by Carol Ann Duffy: Another poem by Duffy, it reimagines a biblical female figure, much like “Delilah”, and examines themes of manipulation, power, and sexual politics.
- “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Both poems explore inner conflict and vulnerability in male characters, revealing their struggle with emotional intimacy and societal expectations of masculinity.
- “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning: Similar to “Delilah”, this poem delves into a destructive relationship where one partner exercises control and power, leading to an ultimate act of dominance and transformation.
Representative Quotations of “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Teach me, he said— we were lying in bed— how to care.” | The male character expresses his emotional incapacity and seeks guidance from Delilah on how to feel and express tenderness. | Psychoanalytic Theory: This quote explores the internal emotional conflict and repression often discussed in psychoanalysis, particularly the male character’s struggle with emotional vulnerability. |
| “I nibbled the purse of his ear.” | A moment of intimacy between Delilah and the male character, emphasizing their physical closeness. | Feminist Theory: This quote can be viewed through the lens of female agency and control over intimacy, as Delilah actively engages in the physical dynamic of the relationship. |
| “I can rip out the roar from the throat of a tiger, or gargle with fire.” | The male character boasts about his physical prowess, exaggerating his strength. | Masculinity Studies: This quote highlights the traditional construction of masculinity, which prioritizes physical strength and heroic feats while suppressing emotional vulnerability. |
| “but I cannot be gentle, or loving, or tender. I have to be strong.” | The male character admits his emotional limitations, acknowledging the societal pressure to maintain strength. | Gender Theory: This line critiques toxic masculinity and societal expectations that force men to prioritize strength over emotional expression. |
| “He f**ked me again until he was sore, then we both took a shower.” | This stark, blunt description of their sexual encounter emphasizes the physical aspect of their relationship, devoid of tenderness. | Postmodernism: The raw, unromantic language reflects postmodernist rejection of idealized love, revealing the physicality and emotional detachment within their relationship. |
| “And before I fetched and sharpened my scissors— snipping first at the black and biblical air—” | Delilah prepares to cut his hair, evoking the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. | Intertextuality: This moment alludes to the biblical narrative of Samson and Delilah, offering a modern reworking of the tale with a feminist twist. |
| “he guided my fingers over the scar over his heart, a four-medal wound from the war—” | The male character shows Delilah his war wound, symbolizing both physical and emotional scars. | Trauma Theory: This line touches on the lasting impacts of trauma, particularly war trauma, and how it shapes emotional and relational dynamics. |
| “I fastened the chain to the door.” | Delilah locks the door before cutting the man’s hair, signifying her control over the situation. | Feminist Theory: This act symbolizes Delilah’s power and autonomy, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations of passivity in women. |
| “I let him slip and slide and sprawl, handsome and huge, on the floor.” | The male character, once strong, now lies helpless and vulnerable after Delilah cuts his hair. | Deconstruction: This line deconstructs the idea of the male as powerful, showing the reversal of power dynamics and exposing the fragility of masculinity. |
| “Then with deliberate, passionate hands I cut every lock of his hair.” | Delilah deliberately and decisively removes his hair, symbolically stripping him of his strength and control. | Feminist Theory: This act of cutting his hair is symbolic of reclaiming power and rejecting patriarchal dominance, as Delilah becomes the agent of his downfall. |
Suggested Readings: “Delilah” by Carol Ann Duffy
- Jane Satterfield. The Antioch Review, vol. 59, no. 1, 2001, pp. 123–24. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/4614132. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
- Yorke, Liz. “British Lesbian Poetics: A Brief Exploration.” Feminist Review, no. 62, 1999, pp. 78–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1395648. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
- Smith, Stan. “‘What Like Is It?’: Carol Ann Duffy’s Différance.” Poetry & Displacement, Liverpool University Press, 2007, pp. 101–22. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt5vj9sw.9. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
- LOGAN, WILLIAM. “The Beasts and the Bees (Carol Ann Duffy).” Broken Ground: Poetry and the Demon of History, Columbia University Press, 2021, pp. 57–60. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7312/loga20106.9. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.