Poetry Collection: Selling Manhattan

Introduction
"Selling Manhattan" is a poetry collection composed by Carol Ann Duffy, a prominent British poet, and was first published in 1987. The collection includes 39 poems that explore different styles such as love, loss, identity, and alienation. Duffy's work reflects her experiences as a woman, a lesbian, and a working-class individual, and her poetry frequently deals with modern social problems and personal experiences.

Structure and Style
Much of the poems in "Selling Manhattan" are written in complimentary verse, although there are circumstances of rhyme and particular kinds such as the sonnet and the villanelle. The language utilized by Duffy is mostly accessible and straightforward, although she likewise employs metaphorical language and images to add depth and complexity to the poems.

Styles and Unique Perspective
One of the most recurring styles in the collection is the concept of identity, especially focusing on the experiences of the working class. Duffy's background plays an essential function in forming her understanding and perspective on social issues. One such example is the poem "Head of English", in which the persona is a working-class woman presumed to be Duffy herself, interviewed for a teaching position. The poem highlights the power imbalances that exist within social and academic structures and challenges the presumptions made by those in positions of power.

Duffy's portrayal of love and relationships is likewise a popular quality of her work in this collection. The poems "Adultery" and "Warming Her Pearls" explore themes of prohibited and unattainable love, tapping into the complexity of desire, destination, and the vulnerability fundamental in romantic relationships. Duffy's poetic voice is lyrical and sensual, including depth and emotional impact to her exploration of these themes.

In several poems, Duffy also delves into the theme of loss, both on a personal and societal level. The poem "War Photographer" is especially poignant in this regard, as it goes over the emotional effect that photographing war and violence has on the titular character. This poem likewise highlights the role of art in helping procedure and understand tough emotions and experiences. Similarly, in "Miles Away", Duffy grapples with the loss of an enjoyed one who is physically and emotionally distant from her, highlighting how loss can take many kinds.

Connection to Contemporary Society
"Selling Manhattan" also engages with aspects of modern society and political problems. The title poem, "Selling Manhattan", is a satirical piece that reviews capitalist society and the implications of consumerism, drawing a connection in between the exploitation of land in the United States and the existing capitalist state of the world. Duffy's usage of Manhattan as a metaphor talks to both historical and existing occasions, inviting readers to consider the price humankind spends for the pursuit of wealth and power.

In "Mrs. Scrooge", Duffy playfully subverts the timeless character of Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". This poem is an amusing yet nuanced exploration of gender roles and expectations, using a feminist lens to a story normally seen as a morality tale about charity and redemption.

Conclusion
"Selling Manhattan" is a thought-provoking and interesting poetry collection, offering readers with a variety of extensive styles and concepts to ponder. Carol Ann Duffy's voice resonates with conviction and feeling, recording the heart of her experiences and issues. Through her explorations of personal experiences, identity, love, loss, and modern societal concerns, Duffy produces a strongly expressive body of work that leaves an enduring impression on readers.