Explain the way in which Duffy presents the strengths and limitations E

Explain the way in which Duffy presents the strengths and limitations of language in two poems. When drawing from both 'Warming Her Pearls' and 'Selling Manhattan' , it is evident that Carol Anne Duffy maintains a certain avant-garde approach to the vast array of possibilities that language presents. She acutely exposes the ambiguity that language holds in its meanings, presenting the reader with endless connotations to consider. Duffy also draws attention to its inability to fully express the extent of human emotions. Both of the above stated poems focus on societal and cultural stratification, with Duffy's use of language carefully designed to emphasise the distance between different social groups. 'Selling Manhattan' being a dramatic monologue, articulates the thoughts of the Dutch settler, Peter Minuit, who is reputed to have bought Manhattan from the North American Indians, for twenty-four dollars worth of glass beads, in 1626. A strong division and contrast exists when this is compared to the feelings of an indigenous North American Indian. Duffy uses language to demonstrate this contrast. In Minuit's glee, he states 'I got myself a bargain'. This heavily exhibits his rapacious attitude and his inability to consider the cost to others that his actions create. The value that he places on money is also shown. This is a key theme to the entire section, also entitled 'Selling Manhattan', with Duffy fiercely criticising the capitalist attitude to economics. Duffy's use of language with the words 'I ' and 'myself' in Minuit's stanza draws attention to just how self absorbed the Dutchman really is. When the reader is first introduced to the Indian a comparison is automatically made. The first line i... ...uses on intimate detail. It could also however be interpreted as being the result of an obscene and abnormal obsession. When considering that this poem is not based upon a modern society, holding modern values that are now far more accepting towards homosexuality, the ambiguity in the depth of this line creates a hindrance to any sympathy that a reader may feel. A reader may take on a similar attitude to that which is evident in the society that 'Warming Her Pearls' describes, perceiving an iniquitous abnormality. Additionally, as this possibility exists that her seeming love is in fact an obsession, the reader has no choice but to question their belief in her affections. The influence and energy of this poem is therefore abridged by this ambiguity, due to the lack of absolute meaning in language, as illustrated by the French philosopher, Jacques Derrida.