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.

Carol Ann Duffy’s quote, "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," reflects Duffy's early exposure to poetry and the impact of her educational experiences. She describes growing up in a house where literature and poetry were not a part of her everyday life, making her later exposure to poetry at school a pivotal moment in her life. Without this experience at school, she acknowledges that she might never have encountered the world of poetry.

Duffy’s statement emphasizes the importance of education in introducing young people to new ideas and experiences, particularly in subjects like English and poetry. Her love for English and poetry was ignited by the guidance of her teachers, who played a critical role in shaping her literary interests. The influence of inspirational teachers like Miss Scriven and Mr. Walker, who encouraged students to memorize and internalize poems, helped Duffy develop a deep connection to language and poetry.

The act of learning poems by heart, which Duffy mentions, speaks to the profound impact that memorization and repetition can have on one’s understanding and appreciation of language. This practice likely deepened her emotional and intellectual connection to the works she studied, allowing her to engage with them in a personal way. It reflects the lasting value of teaching methods that prioritize not just understanding poetry but also developing a passionate connection to it.

The origin of this quote lies in Duffy’s early life and educational journey, which shaped her development as a poet and writer. Growing up without books in her household, Duffy’s chance to engage with literature in school was a defining moment that influenced her career. As a celebrated poet herself, she recognizes the importance of teachers and educational systems in fostering a love for poetry and the written word.