We Remember Your
Childhood Well.
We Remember Your Childhood Well.
1.
What does the title imply?
2.
Who is speaking in this poem?
3.
Who is listening? What makes you think so?
The speaker makes several denials in the poem, repeatedly
saying something didn’t happen. At times there are flat
denials, e.g. line 1 and 3. At times it is supported with a
statement or explanation stating that the accusation is
untrue. Lines 4-5.
Find 2 examples in the poem where a denial is followed by
further explanation.
4.
We Remember Your Childhood Well.

There is a clear response within the poem to the
accusations being made. (line 4.) Duffy asks us to
work out or infer what has been said from the other
half of the conversation.

Look at the following table. What comments,
questions or complaints might have led to the
following responses.
We Remember Your Childhood Well.
Response
‘Nobody locked the door.’ L3
‘You couldn’t sing anyway.’ L5
‘Nobody forced you. You wanted to go
that day.’ L7
‘Nobody sent you away. That was an
extra holiday.’ L13
‘They were firm, there was nothing to
fear.’ L14
Comment/Question/Complaint
We Remember Your Childhood Well.
Exploring Language, Form & Structure.

Why does Duffy repeatedly use the term ‘Nobody’?

Look at the responses in lines 4-5, 10 and 15. Which tone of voice would
you choose? What evidence within the poem would support that?

Lines 16-17 uses the metaphor.
How does she combine word sound and meaning to create a powerful
image?
Duffy links the metaphor with another, ‘and laid you wide open for hell.’
what ideas are suggested by these linked metaphors?
a)
b)
We Remember Your Childhood Well.

The last stanza has reassurance from the speaker, (L
17-18). What evidence in the first 4 stanzas indicates
that the speaker has behaved in a loving manner?

There are 2 clear points of view and perspectives in
the poem. Does Duffy want us to remain neutral or to
take sides.

What in the poem helps you to understand?
We Remember Your Childhood Well.

This poem describes emotional conflict and angst.
Which other Duffy poems reflect similar emotions?
Which poems are a direct contrast with it?

How does this poem use similar poetic devices to the
other poems that you have studied?