Originally by Carol Ann Duffyexplores themes of childhood, identity,... Show more
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‘Originally’ by Carol Anne Duffy Higher English Annotations
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Jul 10, 2025
•
Carol Ann Duffy Poem Annotations for Higher English: Originally, Valentine, Mrs Midas
diviney
@div_vibe
Page 2: Adaptation and Questioning Identity
As the poem progresses, Duffy delves deeper into the process of adaptation and the questioning of identity that comes with displacement. The imagery becomes more complex, reflecting the narrator's maturing perspective.
The poet describes "pebble-dashed estates" and "big boys," creating a sense of an unfamiliar and potentially intimidating new environment. The desire to return home is explicitly stated: "I want our own country, I said."
Vocabulary: Pebble-dashed - A type of exterior wall finish common in the UK, consisting of small pebbles embedded in mortar.
Duffy then explores the gradual process of forgetting and changing. The line "But then you forget, or don't recall, or change" suggests a reluctant acceptance of the new situation. The shift to second-person narration invites the reader to share in this universal experience of adaptation.
The image of the brother swallowing a slug serves as a turning point, symbolizing the adoption of new, unfamiliar behaviors. This leads to one of the poem's most striking metaphors:
Quote: "my voice / shedding its skin like a snake, my tongue / sounding just like the rest."
This powerful imagery conveys the loss of the original accent and, by extension, a part of the narrator's identity. The use of "shedding its skin" suggests both a natural process and a kind of betrayal or shame.
The poem concludes with a series of poignant questions about identity and belonging. Duffy lists what has been lost: "a river, culture, speech, sense of first space / and the right place." This inventory of loss emphasizes the profound impact of emigration on one's sense of self.
Highlight: The final lines, "Where do you come from? / strangers ask. Originally? And I hesitate." encapsulate the central theme of the poem - the complexity of identity for those who have been displaced.
This hesitation in the face of a seemingly simple question reveals the ongoing struggle to reconcile the past with the present, the original self with the adapted one. It leaves the reader with a powerful sense of the lasting impact of childhood displacement on one's sense of identity and belonging.
Page 1: The Journey and Initial Displacement
Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Originally" begins with a powerful depiction of a family's journey from their homeland. The opening stanza sets the scene with rich imagery and emotional depth.
The poem starts with the line "We came from our own country in a red room," immediately establishing the theme of displacement. The "red room" likely refers to the family car, symbolizing both protection and the means of their uprooting.
Highlight: The use of "our own country" emphasizes the sense of belonging that is being left behind, setting up the conflict of identity that runs throughout the poem.
Duffy employs vivid sensory details to capture the experience of the journey. The mother's singing and the father's name being repeated to "the turn of the wheels" create a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality that mirrors the motion of travel.
The emotional impact on the children is powerfully conveyed through their reactions. Duffy writes, "My brothers cried, one of them bawling, Home, / Home," repeating the word to emphasize their distress and longing for the familiar.
Quote: "I stared / at the eyes of a blind toy, holding its paw."
This image of the child clinging to a toy serves as a poignant symbol of seeking comfort in the face of uncertainty. It also highlights the innocence and vulnerability of the young narrator.
The poem then shifts to a more reflective tone, with Duffy stating, "All childhood is an emigration." This metaphor expands the personal experience to a universal one, suggesting that growing up itself is a form of leaving behind the familiar.
Definition: Emigration - The act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another.
Duffy explores the varying paces of change, contrasting slow changes that leave one "resigned" with sudden shifts that are more jarring. The mention of "Your accent wrong" introduces the theme of linguistic displacement, a key aspect of cultural identity.
The poet's use of simile in "My parents' anxiety stirred like a loose tooth" effectively conveys the unsettling nature of their new situation. This dental imagery suggests a painful but necessary transition, much like losing baby teeth.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Carol Ann Duffy Poem Annotations for Higher English: Originally, Valentine, Mrs Midas
diviney
@div_vibe
Originally by Carol Ann Duffyexplores themes of childhood, identity, and belonging through the lens of emigration. The poem reflects on the experience of moving from Scotland to England as a young child, capturing the sense of loss, confusion, and... Show more
Page 2: Adaptation and Questioning Identity
As the poem progresses, Duffy delves deeper into the process of adaptation and the questioning of identity that comes with displacement. The imagery becomes more complex, reflecting the narrator's maturing perspective.
The poet describes "pebble-dashed estates" and "big boys," creating a sense of an unfamiliar and potentially intimidating new environment. The desire to return home is explicitly stated: "I want our own country, I said."
Vocabulary: Pebble-dashed - A type of exterior wall finish common in the UK, consisting of small pebbles embedded in mortar.
Duffy then explores the gradual process of forgetting and changing. The line "But then you forget, or don't recall, or change" suggests a reluctant acceptance of the new situation. The shift to second-person narration invites the reader to share in this universal experience of adaptation.
The image of the brother swallowing a slug serves as a turning point, symbolizing the adoption of new, unfamiliar behaviors. This leads to one of the poem's most striking metaphors:
Quote: "my voice / shedding its skin like a snake, my tongue / sounding just like the rest."
This powerful imagery conveys the loss of the original accent and, by extension, a part of the narrator's identity. The use of "shedding its skin" suggests both a natural process and a kind of betrayal or shame.
The poem concludes with a series of poignant questions about identity and belonging. Duffy lists what has been lost: "a river, culture, speech, sense of first space / and the right place." This inventory of loss emphasizes the profound impact of emigration on one's sense of self.
Highlight: The final lines, "Where do you come from? / strangers ask. Originally? And I hesitate." encapsulate the central theme of the poem - the complexity of identity for those who have been displaced.
This hesitation in the face of a seemingly simple question reveals the ongoing struggle to reconcile the past with the present, the original self with the adapted one. It leaves the reader with a powerful sense of the lasting impact of childhood displacement on one's sense of identity and belonging.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1: The Journey and Initial Displacement
Carol Ann Duffy's poem "Originally" begins with a powerful depiction of a family's journey from their homeland. The opening stanza sets the scene with rich imagery and emotional depth.
The poem starts with the line "We came from our own country in a red room," immediately establishing the theme of displacement. The "red room" likely refers to the family car, symbolizing both protection and the means of their uprooting.
Highlight: The use of "our own country" emphasizes the sense of belonging that is being left behind, setting up the conflict of identity that runs throughout the poem.
Duffy employs vivid sensory details to capture the experience of the journey. The mother's singing and the father's name being repeated to "the turn of the wheels" create a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality that mirrors the motion of travel.
The emotional impact on the children is powerfully conveyed through their reactions. Duffy writes, "My brothers cried, one of them bawling, Home, / Home," repeating the word to emphasize their distress and longing for the familiar.
Quote: "I stared / at the eyes of a blind toy, holding its paw."
This image of the child clinging to a toy serves as a poignant symbol of seeking comfort in the face of uncertainty. It also highlights the innocence and vulnerability of the young narrator.
The poem then shifts to a more reflective tone, with Duffy stating, "All childhood is an emigration." This metaphor expands the personal experience to a universal one, suggesting that growing up itself is a form of leaving behind the familiar.
Definition: Emigration - The act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another.
Duffy explores the varying paces of change, contrasting slow changes that leave one "resigned" with sudden shifts that are more jarring. The mention of "Your accent wrong" introduces the theme of linguistic displacement, a key aspect of cultural identity.
The poet's use of simile in "My parents' anxiety stirred like a loose tooth" effectively conveys the unsettling nature of their new situation. This dental imagery suggests a painful but necessary transition, much like losing baby teeth.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user