6. Celebration of Love (Valentine's Day as a Symbol): Flashcards
(11 cards)
overview
Carol Ann Duffy’s poem Valentine challenges the traditional idea of love and Valentine’s Day, using the unusual symbol of an onion instead of clichéd romantic gifts. Instead of romanticising love, she presents a more realistic and raw portrayal. Through metaphor, imagery, structure and tone, Duffy celebrates love in a way that feels more honest and intense.
“Not a red rose or a satin heart.”
One quote that immediately subverts romantic expectations is “Not a red rose or a satin heart.” The negative opening rejects conventional Valentine’s gifts, setting a critical tone. The use of plosive alliteration in “red rose” and “satin heart” mimics the emptiness of commercialised love. This shows that Duffy doesn’t believe these objects truly represent love, and instead, she wants to offer something more meaningful.
“I give you an onion.”
The central extended metaphor of the poem is introduced when Duffy says “I give you an onion.” The blunt sentence is both shocking and humorous, but it forces the reader to reconsider what counts as romantic. The onion becomes a symbol of deeper love—raw, layered, and sometimes painful. This reflects how love is not always sweet or easy but can be intense and emotional.
“It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.”
The metaphor deepens in “It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.” The moon is a symbol of romance, but here it’s wrapped in something plain. This could represent how real love is hidden beneath the surface and must be unwrapped carefully. The imagery connects love with mystery and intimacy, moving beyond surface-level beauty.
“It will blind you with tears / like a lover.”
Duffy also uses violent and intense imagery to describe love’s power. She writes “It will blind you with tears / like a lover.” The simile compares love to something painful and consuming. The emotive language shows how love can hurt, and that crying is sometimes part of being deeply connected with someone. It suggests that real love is emotional and not always easy to handle.
“Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips.”
Another powerful quote is “Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips.” The adjective “fierce” makes love sound possessive and passionate. The personification of the onion shows how love clings to us physically and emotionally. This celebrates the lasting impact of love—it stays with you and changes you.
“Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring”
Finally, the line “Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring” uses symbolism. The “platinum loops” of the onion resemble a ring, connecting the metaphor to the idea of marriage. The word “shrink” could suggest how love becomes more serious and committed over time. This quote celebrates the commitment and bond of long-term love, even if it’s not always glamorous.
structure
The structure of the poem is free verse, with irregular stanzas and a lack of rhyme. This reflects the unpredictability of love—it doesn’t follow neat rules. The repetition of “I give you an onion” acts like a chorus, reinforcing the importance of the gift and the message. The line breaks create pauses and tension, making the reader think more deeply about each idea.
context
In terms of context, Carol Ann Duffy was the first female Poet Laureate and often explores female perspectives and modern relationships. She challenges the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day by offering a more emotional, layered view of love. In a world full of consumerist love—roses, cards, and chocolates—Duffy’s onion stands out as a powerful, raw, and real celebration of what love actually feels like.
tone
The tone of the poem is direct, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable. Duffy switches between tenderness and danger, which reflects how love is a mix of emotions. Phrases like “Take it” and “Lethal” are commanding and aggressive, showing the passionate and possessive side of love. At the same time, lines like “like the careful undressing of love” are soft and romantic. This mixture of tones celebrates love in its full, messy reality.
conclusion
