The Kray Sisters- Carol Ann Duffy. Textual Analysis

The first 200 words of this essay...

The Kray Sisters- Carol Ann Duffy

The poem begins with "there are the twins" in italics, to show it is an outside voice saying it. This shows that they have a reputation and are well known.

Duffy also uses cockney rhyming slang throughout, (frog and toad, mince pies, Vera Lynn) which gives it a voice and identity. The amount of rhyming slang used decreases as the poem goes on, which could be a device to show how the twins have changed and gone up in the world.

Savile row suits are also mentioned, giving the twins a masculine edge, until their "thr'penny bits" are pointed out, showing that they are not compromising their femininity. In line 7, "London, London, London Town" emphasises the twins' love of London, and gives the line a wistful, reminiscing tone, which makes us wonder what happened to them. In the next few lines, the imagery is luxurious and expensive "back of an Austin Princess, black, up West to a club" and gives the impression of a busy and sociable lifestyle.

The second verse is a flashback to the twins' childhood. The first verse finishes with the word "Nice" and the