Originally Flashcards
What are the themes of the poem?
Change, loss, identity and belonging.
What is a quote that shows the poet’s reluctance to leave her old home?
“Red room” and “fell through the fields” both show that she felt confusion and a lack of control over their move, “bawling” shows the distress of her brothers, as does the repeated “Home, Home” the “blind toy” also reflects a lack of agency and helplessness.
What is a quote that shows that the poet didn’t feel that she fitted in at her new home?
“Your accent wrong” shows that she felt different and out of place, “unimagined” suggests that she didn’t feel comfortable in the new and unfamiliar environment.
What is a quote that shows how the poet began to assimilate into her new home?
“Shedding its skin like a snake” simile that shows how she and her voice changed to belong in the new environment, “skelf of shame” shows how she felt more able to accept her brother’s change.
What is a quote that shows the poet still feels conflicted about her identity?
“Originally? And I hesitate.” This tells us that she still isn’t sure where she comes from/belongs, and that she lost the certainty of knowing this with the move.
