Chance Quote by Carol Ann Duffy
“I grew up in a bookless house - my parents didn't read poetry, so if I hadn't had the chance to experience it at school I'd never have experienced it. But I loved English, and I was very lucky in that I had inspirational English teachers, Miss Scriven and Mr. Walker, and they liked us to learn poems by heart, which I found I loved doing.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Personal essay, 2020
Growing up without poetry at home, school and inspiring teachers sparked a lifelong love for verse.
In simple terms: School and teachers sparked love for poetry.
Seek poetry in unexpected places.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- school curriculum
- family gatherings
- self‑study
- community workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools compensate for lack of literary culture at home?
- What role do teachers play in shaping artistic taste?
Limited access at home can hinder early exposure.