The map women

• extended metaphor places + memories shape us. the burden and truama women carry universally (starts indefinete article 'A'), inescapability of identity
•  ‘A woman's skin was a map of the town where she'd grown from a child’ 

  vivid imagery to convey the profound connection between a woman's physical body and the town in which she was raised. The metaphor encapsulates the idea that her experiences and growth are indelibly imprinted upon her. profound intertwining of identity and place, where every street and corner holds a significance in her personal narrative. Through this concise image, Duffy prompts reflection
• She covered it up with a dress, with a shawl, with a hat, with mitts or a muff’

  multifaceted ways conceal vulnerabilities and true selves . repetition of "with a dress, with a shawl, with a hat, with mitts or a muff" creates a rhythmic cadence that mirrors the layers people employ to mask their inner feelings. Beyond their literal function, these garments become metaphors for the various emotional defences we employ. The act of covering up symbolizes the societal pressure to present a polished exterior, often at the expense of revealing genuine emotions.
• A precise second skin, broad if she binged, thin when she slimmed

  dynamic relationship between body image and self-perception. The notion of the woman's skin being a "precise second skin" captures the idea that one's physical appearance can serve as a public-facing persona, The sibilance encapsulates the fluctuating nature of self-esteem tied to body size, highlighting the societal pressure to conform to ever-changing standards. Duffy illustrates how the woman's self-worth is intrinsically linked to her appearance,
• ‘The river an artery snaking north to her neck.’

  • Symbolic Connection:
  • Metaphor: aligns the river's meandering course with the human body's circulatory system.
  • Intimate Relationship: This imagery speaks to the intimate and intricate relationship between individuals and the landscapes they inhabit.
  • Significance of Trajectory: The river's trajectory towards the neck suggests the significance of the lifeline it represents, linking the life-giving properties of water to the woman's very being.
  • Duffy harmonizes the macrocosm of nature with the microcosm of the body.
• Duffy encapsulates the bittersweet essence of capturing a single moment, echoing the complexity of our attempts to preserve the past against the inevitability of its gradual fading. Duffy employs stark imagery to convey the burdens of a woman's life experiences. The repetition of "sponged, soaped, scrubbed" emphasizes a relentless effort to cleanse, suggesting not only physical purification but also the desire to cleanse the weight of past trials.
• "prison and hospital stamped on her back'


  juxtoposition alludes to the scars of emotional and physical confinement, implying a history marked by struggle. The word "stamped" implies an indelible mark, illustrating how these trials have left an enduring impact. Duffy draws attention to the unseen scars that individuals carry, provoking contemplation on the resilience required to face adversity. Duffy intertwines the metaphor of a map with layers of clothing, presenting a rich tapestry of hidden experiences.
• ‘her skin sloughed like a snake's’

   Duffy utilises the image of shedding snake skin to evoke transformation and renewal. captures the idea of casting off the old and embracing the new. This imagery symbolizes a profound change, suggesting that the woman is undergoing a personal metamorphosis akin to the natural cycle of shedding. shedding of past burdens. similie embracing change and leaving behind what no longer serves, inviting reflection on the transformative power of renewal and the potential for personal evolution. 
• ‘She took a plane. The map seethed on her flesh.’

  The act of taking a plane suggests transition, yet the map's ‘seething’ presence, introduces an element of unease and turmoil. The verb "seethed" evokes a sense of simmering intensity, hinting at the complex emotions that accompany her journey. This juxtaposition reflects the interplay between external actions and internal emotional states. Duffy prompts contemplation on the ways in which our personal landscapes, both literal and emotional, shape the trajectories of our lives. 
• Her skin was her own small ghost, a shrould to be dead in

  haunting essence of the woman's relationship with her own skin. conjures a sense of detachment, as if her skin is a spectral reminder of her own existence. The comparison to a shroud intensifies the ghostly imagery, hinting at a sense of confinement and finality. The notion of being "dead in" her own skin conveys a profound disconnect, suggesting a lack of agency or vitality.
• a decastich- (10 lines per stanza)

  tight controlled narrative = constraint in narrative concistancy