Originally

"Originally" by Carol Ann Duffy is a reflective poem about childhood emigration and the struggle to maintain one's identity in a new environment. The poem begins with a powerful statement about the universal experience of change in childhood.

Quote: "All childhood is an emigration. Some are slow, / leaving you standing, resigned, up an avenue / where no one you know stays. Others are sudden."

Duffy uses vivid imagery to describe the disorientation and alienation felt by a child moving to a new place. The poem touches on themes of belonging, language, and cultural adaptation.

Highlight: The line "I remember my tongue / shedding its skin like a snake" powerfully conveys the struggle to adapt to a new accent and way of speaking.

The poet reflects on the impact of this move on her family, particularly her parents' anxiety and her siblings' reactions. The poem captures the complexity of emotions associated with leaving one's original home and adjusting to a new environment.

Example: The image of "big boys / eating worms and shouting words you don't understand" illustrates the cultural shock and feeling of not belonging experienced by the speaker.

"Originally" demonstrates Duffy's skill in exploring personal experiences that resonate with universal themes of identity and belonging. The poem's structure and use of memory effectively convey the lasting impact of childhood displacement on one's sense of self.

Definition: Emigration refers to the act of leaving one's home country to settle in another, a central theme in this poem.

Themes and Techniques

Both "War Photographer" and "Originally" showcase Carol Ann Duffy's mastery of poetic techniques and her ability to address complex themes.

In "War Photographer," Duffy employs:

• Vivid imagery to convey the horrors of war • Religious metaphors to emphasize the gravity of the photographer's work • Contrast between the calm darkroom and chaotic war zones • Critique of society's desensitization to suffering

Highlight: The use of plosives and sibilance in "War Photographer" creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the poem.

"Originally" demonstrates Duffy's skill in:

• Using first-person narrative to create an intimate, personal tone • Employing metaphors to describe the experience of cultural adaptation • Structuring the poem to reflect the progression of time and memory • Exploring the concept of identity through language and place

Example: The metaphor of childhood as an emigration effectively conveys the universal experience of change and growth.

Both poems reflect Duffy's themes of:

• Identity and belonging • Memory and its impact on the present • The contrast between different worlds or experiences • The lasting effects of significant life events

Quote: From "Originally": "I want our own country, I said." This line encapsulates the desire for a sense of belonging and familiarity.

Analysis and Interpretation

"War Photographer" offers a nuanced exploration of the ethical and emotional challenges faced by those who document conflict. The poem raises questions about the role of media in shaping our understanding of war and the responsibility of witnesses to global suffering.

Highlight: The final stanza's critique of public apathy: "The reader's eyeballs prick / with tears between the bath and pre-lunch beers" is particularly poignant.

"Originally" delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the impact of displacement on personal development. The poem resonates with anyone who has experienced the challenge of adapting to a new environment while trying to maintain a connection to their roots.

Example: The speaker's struggle with language and accent: "my tongue / shedding its skin like a snake" vividly illustrates the process of cultural adaptation.

Both poems demonstrate Duffy's ability to address serious social and personal issues through accessible yet powerful poetry. Her use of everyday language combined with striking imagery makes these complex themes relatable to a wide audience.

Vocabulary: Duffy's use of enjambment (the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next) in both poems creates a sense of flow and continuity, mirroring the ongoing nature of the experiences described.

Context and Significance

Carol Ann Duffy's poems "War Photographer" and "Originally" are significant works in contemporary British poetry, reflecting important social and personal themes.

"War Photographer" was likely inspired by Duffy's friendship with photojournalist Don McCullin. The poem addresses:

• The ethical dilemmas of war journalism • The psychological impact of witnessing conflict • Society's relationship with images of suffering

Context: The poem was written during a time of increased media coverage of global conflicts, raising questions about the role of photojournalism in shaping public opinion.

"Originally" draws on Duffy's personal experience of moving from Scotland to England as a child. The poem explores:

• The impact of childhood emigration on identity formation • The challenges of cultural adaptation • The lasting influence of one's origins on personal identity

Highlight: Duffy's exploration of linguistic identity in "Originally" reflects the broader theme of language as a marker of cultural belonging in her work.

Both poems have become popular choices for study in British literature curricula, including the National 5 syllabus in Scotland. They showcase Duffy's ability to address complex social issues through accessible and emotionally resonant poetry.

Example: The inclusion of these poems in educational curricula demonstrates their relevance to discussions of identity, media ethics, and cultural adaptation in contemporary society.

Literary Techniques and Structure

Carol Ann Duffy employs a range of poetic techniques in "War Photographer" and "Originally" to enhance their emotional impact and thematic depth.

In "War Photographer":

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions create a stark contrast between the darkroom and war zones • Metaphor: The darkroom is compared to a church, elevating the photographer's work to a sacred act • Alliteration and sibilance: Used to create tension and emphasize key points • Structure: Regular quatrains with a rhyme scheme reflect the ordered nature of the darkroom, contrasting with the chaos of war

Quote: "Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh. All flesh is grass." This biblical allusion emphasizes the universality and inevitability of suffering.

In "Originally":

• First-person narrative: Creates an intimate, personal tone • Metaphor: Childhood is compared to an emigration, emphasizing change and displacement • Alliteration: Used to draw attention to key phrases and create rhythm • Free verse structure: Reflects the fluid nature of memory and identity

Highlight: The repetition of "our own country" throughout the poem reinforces the theme of belonging and identity.

Both poems demonstrate Duffy's skill in using form and language to reinforce their themes and emotional impact. Her accessible yet powerful style has contributed to her popularity and critical acclaim as a poet.

Example: The use of enjambment in both poems creates a sense of continuity and flow, mirroring the ongoing nature of the experiences described.

Comparative Analysis

Comparing "War Photographer" and "Originally" reveals Carol Ann Duffy's versatility as a poet and her ability to address diverse themes with equal depth and sensitivity.

Similarities:

• Both poems explore the impact of displacement and cultural differences • Memory and its influence on identity are central themes in both works • Both use vivid imagery to convey complex emotional experiences • The poems critique societal attitudes towards outsiders or distant suffering

Differences:

• "War Photographer" focuses on adult experiences, while "Originally" centers on childhood • The tone in "War Photographer" is more detached and observational, while "Originally" is more personal and emotive • "War Photographer" has a more structured form, while "Originally" uses free verse

Highlight: Both poems effectively use contrast to emphasize their themes: in "War Photographer," it's the contrast between the darkroom and war zones; in "Originally," it's the contrast between the familiar and the new.

These poems showcase Duffy's ability to address both global issues and personal experiences with equal skill. Her work continues to resonate with readers and students, making her one of the most studied contemporary poets in the UK.

Example: The inclusion of these poems in curricula like BBC Bitesize and National 5 demonstrates their educational value in exploring themes of identity, cultural adaptation, and social responsibility.

War Photographer

Carol Ann Duffy's poem "War Photographer" offers a poignant exploration of the psychological toll of documenting conflict. The poem begins in the photographer's darkroom, a place of solitude and reflection amidst the chaos of war zones.

Highlight: The opening stanza sets a somber tone with the line "With spools of suffering set out in ordered rows," contrasting the organized darkroom with the disorder of war.

The photographer's process is compared to a religious ritual, emphasizing the gravity and respect with which he approaches his work.

Quote: "As though this were a church and he / a priest preparing to intone a Mass."

Duffy uses powerful imagery to convey the photographer's experiences in various conflict zones, including Belfast, Beirut, and Phnom Penh. The poem touches on themes of memory, trauma, and the disconnect between those who witness war firsthand and those who view it from afar.

Vocabulary: PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is alluded to in the poem, highlighting the lasting impact of witnessing traumatic events.

The final stanza critiques society's fleeting engagement with images of suffering, contrasting the photographer's deep emotional involvement with the casual consumption of war imagery by newspaper readers.

Example: "The reader's eyeballs prick / with tears between the bath and pre-lunch beers" illustrates the superficial and short-lived impact of war photos on the general public.