Little Red Cap, Ann Duffy
"The Little Red Cap" is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy published by Picador as
a part of her 1999 collection of poetry titled The World's Wife. The book
consists of poems that are based on old stories and tales in which she
reshapes in terms of modern day culture.
Duffy is known for her trait to take previous stories, tales, etc. and change
them into her own.
The World's Wife was created based on stories of heroes that were an
inspiration to her, also believed that these tales and stories did not interpret
the truth.
Most of Duffy's poetry has feminist interest, and she found that the original
Little Red Cap fairy tale was an example of feminism in both fairy tales and
English literature.
Little Red Cap is based on the fairy tale story known as Little Red Riding
Hood. Going along with the theme of poetry in The World's Wife, Duffy
altered the original storyline to create a dominant female character.
Characters transition out of childhood.
Summary: She is narrating the story, as she explains that once the wolf came to the edge of the
woods her childhood ended. Little Red Cap examines the wolf, and found herself excited about his
large ears, eyes, and teeth! The wolf is portrayed as an older character by the reference of alcohol
used in his description"his hairy paw, red wine staining his bearded jaw". Little Red Cap, only 16
years old, pursues the older wolf. That became the start of her transition to adulthood. Being
younger than the wolf, he buys Little Red Cap her first drink. The reason: poetry. Little Red Cap
was prepared for what was to come. She knew that the wolf would lead her into the woods. Little
Red Cap was prepared to leave home, and go into the woods with the wolf. This was the beginning
of the love story and relationship of Little Red Cap and the wolf. She discovered an abundance of
books within the Wolf's lair. The two grew close as their relationship blossomed. After 10 years
passed from when Little Red Cap wandered into the woods with the Wolf she left the woods
without him, ending their relationship. When she met the wolf she was only a child, but after 10
years passed Little Red Cap left the woods as an adult.
Duffy felt that the original Little Red Cap was a representation of male dominance over women in
all English literature "The Wolf's belly, the grandmother inside, are all there waiting to be used. In
a sense, in the poem, the grandmother's bones are the silent women who aren't present in English
Literature". In her version Duffy modified the roles of the characters so that Little Red Cap was
seen as the supreme role. Duffy was able to create a feminist edge in her poem by altering the
roles of the characters. The Wolf was no longer portrayed as a villain, and rather a valuable and
warmhearted character. Little Red Cap (the girl) transformed from a foolish young girl to a more
independent, and clever, young adult. Through these changes Little Red Cap became the leader
while the Wolf was seen as guidance for her through her journey. Duffy was able to create a
dominant Female character, and also create a story line focused on the success of the character,
rather than her flaws.
