Critics for Duffy Flashcards
“Constantly torn between wanting to be conventional, to be married and to have children, and the even stronger desire of wanting to be alone”- Jones, Monica
Monica Jones’ quote reflects a deep internal conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. The speaker feels torn between conforming to traditional roles—such as marriage and having children—and the stronger, perhaps more authentic, yearning for solitude. This tension suggests a struggle for self-identity, as the individual navigates external pressures versus an internal need for independence or introspection. It speaks to the complexity of modern life, where balancing personal fulfillment with societal norms can lead to emotional friction and uncertainty.
These poems demonstrate an anxiety concerning not only female power, but the representation of female subjectivity”- Jones, Deryn Rees
David Punter’s quote suggests that in Duff’s poetry, the reader is not merely presented with a final conclusion, but is invited to experience the entire reflective process. This process is described as “jumpy” and “occasional,” implying that the poet’s thoughts and insights may come in fragmented or unpredictable bursts. Rather than offering a linear or structured argument, Duff’s poetry mirrors the fluid, sometimes erratic nature of human reflection, capturing the complexities and inconsistencies of thought as they unfold. This approach creates a more dynamic and engaging reading experience, where the journey of contemplation is as important as any final resolution.
“We do not only receive the conclusion, but the whole process of reflection which can be a very jumpy, occasional matter”- David Punter
David Punter’s quote about Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry suggests that her work offers more than just a final conclusion; it immerses the reader in the entire reflective process. The “jumpy” and “occasional” nature of her reflections reflects the way human thoughts can be disjointed and non-linear. Duffy’s poetry often captures the spontaneity and unpredictability of thinking, moving between moments of clarity and uncertainty. This method creates a more intimate connection with the reader, as they are taken on a journey through the poet’s evolving thoughts and emotions rather than just receiving a finished idea or judgment.
“She writes about the personal cost of love through time and memory’- Cash, Peter
Encapsulates the cruelty of time on the toll of love and romantic relationships. A reminder of what is lost in love and what that loss feels like once its too late to take back, we are made to follow a journey of both the impersonal, detached physical time of “ the clocks slid back an hour” and emotional time, “mourning our love,” through exploration into the past and its consequences on our own happiness.
