"Originally" by Carol Ann Duffy - subject, form, tone, imagery, rhythm, rhyme and the poet's intentions

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Daniel Atkins

15th February 2003

English poetry commentary

Originally

        Originally was written by a Scottish lady, by the name of Carol Ann Duffy. The following commentary is to be comprised of varying elements, which conclude a decent analysis. These are the subject, form, tone, imagery, rhythm, rhyme and the poet's intentions. The subject in this poem is the discovery of ones past and the process of moving forward in life by emigrating. This is explained through mental reactions or even physically. It seems as if the poet is attempting to convey to the reader that one must never forget the pleasures that one has experienced, and start being aware of life.

        The following three stanzas are comprised of eight lines each. The first stanza attempts to form a connection with the usage of assonance, rhyme and a half rhyme, which is another term for a consonance. This can be seen in line 7 and line 8.

where we didn't live any more. I stared

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at the eyes of a blind toy, holding its paw.

An alliteration is inserted at the beginning of this stanza,

Which fell through the fields, our mother singing

This helps the lyrical quality, and provides a description of vast and warm area, a utopia for the child. A contrast is made evident between lines 2-3.

Which fell through the fields, our mother singing

Our father's name to the turn of the wheels.

This only influences the statement previously mentioned, which focused on warmth and comfort. In addition to this it focuses on an even love spread among the whole area ...

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