Originally: Themes; Experiences of Early Childhood

Overview of “Originally: Experiences of Early Childhood”

The theme of childhood and one’s experiences during this stage of life are central to the poem “Originally”. Duffy explores the profound impact of childhood memories especially during periods of change and transition.

Analysis of “Originally: Experiences of Early Childhood”

The line “We came from our own country in a red room” signifies the safe and secure childhood environment from which the speaker was uprooted. The use of ‘our own country’ highlights a strong sense of belonging associated with this phase of life.
Duffy masterfully portrays the disconcerting disruption felt by a child upon leaving a familiar place through the metaphor, “Which fell through the fields”. The tumultuous feelings experienced are metaphorically depicted as an abrupt, disorientating fall through open fields.
Feelings of confusion, fear and uncertainty caused by the drastic change in the speaker’s life are conveyed through the lines “our mother singing” and “our brother’s crying”. The contrasting reactions of family members reflect the range of emotions experienced during such changes in early life.

Themes in “Originally: Experiences of Early Childhood”

The theme of childhood is central to the poem. Childhood experiences, particularly those related to major life changes and adjustments, are explored throughout the poem.
Duffy delves into the theme of change as she dwells on the children’s upheaval from the security of ‘our own country’ to the unfamiliarity of a new place.
Feelings of loss and grief induced by the departure from a familiar place during early childhood are made explicit with phrases like ‘our brother’s crying’.

Poetic Techniques in “Originally: Experiences of Early Childhood”

Use of metaphor enables Duffy to vividly illustrate the unsettling feelings experienced by the children as they move to a new place.
The juxtaposition of ‘our mother singing’ with ‘our brother’s crying’ emphasises the variety of emotions experienced during such changes in early childhood.
The deployment of alliteration in ‘our father’s…our brother’s’ conveys the sense of disruption in the family situation and impacts on the individual experiences of the children.

The theme of ‘Experiences of Early Childhood’ in “Originally” offers in-depth exploration of the difficulties and anxieties associated with major life changes during one’s early years.