theme: change?
” all childhood is an emigration”
“ emigration” connotations of leaving , exile and change. this suggests that in childhood you are constantly changing and in Duffy’s case her change is moving from one country to another to start over.
” but then you forget , don’t recall or change”
- “ change” has connotations of different , growing up and progression . this suggests that Duffy is accepting that change is inevitable and unavoidable and she is going to have to face it when she moves.
” my tongue shedding its skin like a snake”
- just as snakes change and there skin comes off revealing a new layer underneath so too as Duffy is getting used to living in a new country she is slowing loosing her accent and beginning to blend in with the peoples accent in her new home.
” i stared at the eyes of a blind toy holding its paw”
- just as teddy bears don’t have real eyes therefore they cannot see, so too duffy has no clue what her future holds for her in her new house in a different country making her metaphorically blind.
theme; strong emotions?
” my brother cried. one of them bawling”
- “bawling” has connotations of screaming, crying and a tantrum. this suggests that Duffy’s brothers are also very sad about the move and really want to stay at home where they feel safe and comfortable.
” my parents anxiety stirred like a loose tooth”
- just as loose teeth are annoying and and a repetitive stage in a child’s life, so too Duffy’s parents are having anxious reoccurring thoughts about moving and whether or not it is the best option for their family.
theme : childhood and relationships
” i stared at the eyes of a blind toy holding its paw”
- just as teddy bears don’t have real eyes therefore they cannot see, so too duffy has no clue what her future holds for her in her new house in a different country making her metaphorically blind.
theme ; conflict
” originally? and i hesitate”
- the word choice used and placement of this line at the end of the poem suggests a slight uncertainty about what culture she identifies with, or where she belongs.
” big boys shouting words you don’t understand”
- “ big boys” suggesting a threatening or intimidating presence
