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Carol Ann Duffy Poems: Originally, Valentine, Mrs Midas, and More

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Del Neilson

06/05/2023

English

originally - carol ann duffy

Carol Ann Duffy Poems: Originally, Valentine, Mrs Midas, and More

Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Originally" explores themes of identity, immigration, and childhood experiences. This poignant work delves into the emotional journey of moving to a new country and the challenges of adapting to a different culture. The poem resonates with readers by capturing the universal feelings of displacement and longing for home.

Key points:

  • The poem uses powerful metaphors and similes to convey the sense of change and adaptation
  • It highlights the emotional impact of immigration on both children and parents
  • Duffy explores the complexities of language and accent in shaping one's identity
  • The work reflects on the lasting effects of childhood experiences on personal development
...

06/05/2023

994

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Carol Ann Duffy Poems: Originally, Valentine, Mrs Midas, and More

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Del Neilson

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Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Originally" explores themes of identity, immigration, and childhood experiences. This poignant work delves into the emotional journey of moving to a new country and the challenges of adapting to a different culture. The poem resonates with readers by capturing the universal feelings of displacement and longing for home.

Key points:

  • The poem uses powerful metaphors and similes to convey the sense of change and adaptation
  • It highlights the emotional impact of immigration on both children and parents
  • Duffy explores the complexities of language and accent in shaping one's identity
  • The work reflects on the lasting effects of childhood experiences on personal development
...

06/05/2023

994

 

S4/S5

 

English

18

ALL CHILDHOOD IS AN EMIGRATION.
METAPHOR: SHE COMPARES GROWING UP TO MOVING COUNTRIES: CHANGE,
FEAR, THE UNKNOWN, A JOURNEY. MOVING FOR COMF

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"Originally" by Carol Ann Duffy: A Deep Dive

Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Originally" is a powerful exploration of childhood, immigration, and the lasting impact of early experiences on one's identity. The poem begins with a striking metaphor that sets the tone for the entire piece.

Highlight: "ALL CHILDHOOD IS AN EMIGRATION."

This opening line establishes the central theme of the poem, comparing the universal experience of growing up to the act of moving countries. This metaphor encapsulates the feelings of change, fear, and uncertainty that accompany both childhood development and immigration.

The poem vividly describes the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker and her family during their move. Duffy uses evocative language to paint a picture of the children's distress:

Quote: "MY BROTHERS CRIED, ONE OF THEM BAWLING"

This line emphasizes the shared emotional experience of the family, highlighting how deeply the move affects even the youngest members.

Duffy employs a powerful simile to describe the process of adapting to a new language and culture:

Quote: "I REMEMBER MY TONGUE SHEDDING ITS SKIN LIKE A SNAKE"

This vivid imagery conveys the idea of transformation and adaptation, suggesting that the speaker must shed her old identity to fit into her new environment. The use of sibilance in this line creates a hissing sound, further reinforcing the snake imagery and perhaps hinting at a sense of betrayal or loss.

The poem touches on the challenges of fitting in, particularly through language and accent:

Highlight: "YOUR ACCENT WRONG"

This phrase underscores the feeling of otherness and not belonging, suggesting that even when speaking the same language, differences in accent can create barriers to acceptance.

Duffy also explores the lasting impact of this childhood experience:

Quote: "I WANT OUR OWN COUNTRY"

This line reveals the speaker's continued longing for her original home, demonstrating how early experiences of displacement can shape one's sense of belonging throughout life.

The poem concludes with a poignant simile describing the parents' anxiety:

Quote: "MY PARENTS' ANXIETY STIRRED LIKE A LOOSE TOOTH IN MY HEAD"

This imagery effectively conveys the persistent, nagging worry felt by the parents and perceived by the child, illustrating how parental emotions can deeply affect children.

Vocabulary: Emigration - The act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another.

Example: The poem's themes resonate with many readers who have experienced moving to a new country or even just a new town during childhood, reflecting the universal nature of feeling out of place and longing for familiarity.

"Originally" stands as a testament to Carol Ann Duffy's skill in capturing complex emotions and experiences in accessible, yet profound language. The poem's exploration of identity, immigration, and childhood continues to make it a popular choice for study in Higher English courses and a frequent subject of analysis on platforms like LitCharts. Its themes of displacement and adaptation remain relevant in today's increasingly globalized world, making it a powerful tool for discussing issues of cultural identity and belonging.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.