Carol Ann Duffy- Originally Flashcards
Who is the speaker travelling with in stanza 1?
her family (mum,dad and 3 brothers)
How does the speakers mother feel compared to how her brothers feel?
The mother seems happy compared to the children who seem upset. Notice the mother is singing and the brothers where bawling
What does the speaker hold on to? What does this suggest about her feelings?
The speaker is holding on to a teddy. This could suggest that she is feeling sad and anxious. The toy might be comforting.
Look at stanza 2. What do some big boys in the speakers new town do? Why do you think the speaker chooses to include this rater strange memory?
They shot and eat worms. The speaker included this because they find it strange however in this new town it is completely normal.
“All childhood is an emigration” is a metaphor. What do you think this means?
This could mean that in the end, everyone will move away from a childhood home or change/grow up, so we will move away from our memories.
How does the speaker feel about the move in stanza 2?
The speaker feels unhappy about the move. “i want our own country” suggests that the speaker wants to go back to normal and back to home.
Look at stanza 3. What is a “skelf”? Why is the expression significant?
Skelf is a tiny bit of wood. This suggests that the “shame” she feels is only small and this makes her feel uncomfortable.
What simile is used to describe the speakers change in accent?
“shedding it’s skin like a snake” Suggests that she is betraying her Scottish identity to fit in.
What does the speaker feel she has lost?
Her Scottish identity and herself in a way.
What is it that makes the speaker hesitate, as described in the last lines of the poem?
The hesitation suggests that she is ashamed to say where she came from to people who ask her.
