Sacrifice and Devotion: Flashcards
overview
Carol Ann Duffy’s poem ‘Valentine’ explores the themes of sacrifice and devotion through an unconventional symbol of love – an onion. Instead of the typical romantic clichés, Duffy presents love as raw, honest, and sometimes painful. Through powerful imagery, tone, and structure, she reveals how deep emotional connection often comes with a cost.
“I give you an onion.”
One of the most striking quotes is “I give you an onion.” The repeated phrase is simple but loaded with meaning. The first-person voice creates intimacy, showing the speaker’s personal devotion. The onion, a surprising metaphor, symbolises the layers of a relationship – peeling them away takes effort and often causes tears. This reflects the sacrifice people make when committing to love: vulnerability and emotional exposure.
“It will blind you with tears”
The quote “It will blind you with tears” shows how love, like an onion, can hurt. The violent verb “blind” shows how intense devotion can lead to emotional suffering. The simile “like a lover” directly links love to pain, challenging the idealised view of romance. Duffy presents devotion as something that isn’t just sweet or beautiful but can overwhelm and consume a person.The quote “It will blind you with tears” shows how love, like an onion, can hurt. The violent verb “blind” shows how intense devotion can lead to emotional suffering. The simile “like a lover” directly links love to pain, challenging the idealised view of romance. Duffy presents devotion as something that isn’t just sweet or beautiful but can overwhelm and consume a person.
“Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,”
In “Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,” Duffy uses oxymoron and sensory imagery to suggest that love leaves a lasting mark. The word “fierce” adds a threatening tone, suggesting that being devoted to someone can become intense and even controlling. The idea of a “kiss” links back to romance, but it is no longer soft or gentle – it’s powerful and possibly painful. This highlights the sacrifices lovers make, giving up comfort for raw emotion.
“Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring”
The quote “Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring” symbolises how love and marriage can become confining. “Platinum” gives a sense of value and permanence, while “shrink” suggests restriction. Duffy critiques the idea that devotion must lead to marriage, implying that true commitment can feel like a sacrifice of freedom.
“possessive and faithful.”
Another key line is “possessive and faithful.” The juxtaposition of these adjectives shows a dual nature of love. “Faithful” reflects the loyalty and devotion in relationships, but “possessive” implies a darker side – sacrifice of independence and control. Duffy’s tone is honest, even brutal, showing how love can blur the line between care and control.
Its scent will cling to your fingers / cling to your knife”
Finally, “Its scent will cling to your fingers cling to your knife” uses repetition and sinister imagery to show the inescapable nature of devotion. The word “cling” suggests something lasting and unwanted, like love’s impact after heartbreak. The inclusion of “knife” adds a violent tone, possibly symbolising the emotional damage love can cause. It shows how sacrifice in love can leave scars, both physical and emotional.
structure
Structure-wise, the poem is written in free verse, which reflects the unpredictability of love. The short, sharp stanzas and one-word lines like “Here.” and “Take it.” add to the direct, commanding tone, making the speaker sound urgent and brutally honest. This lack of structure mirrors how love isn’t neat or controlled – it’s chaotic, layered, and sometimes hurtful. The poem’s rejection of traditional form matches its rejection of traditional romantic gestures like “a red rose” or “a kissogram.”
context
Contextually, Carol Ann Duffy often challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes in her poetry. In ‘Valentine’, she strips away the idealised version of love sold by society and instead shows the emotional cost of real relationships. As the first female Poet Laureate, she often writes about female perspectives on love, truth, and emotional complexity. This poem reflects her belief that honesty is more meaningful than convention – even if it’s painful.
conclusion
Duffy shows that love isn’t always soft or pretty – sometimes it’s fierce, painful, and demanding. Through the metaphor of an onion, she explores how true devotion often means accepting the tough layers, the tears, and the lasting impact that love leaves behind. This bold, honest view of love makes the poem stand out and reveals the sacrifices people make for real emotional connection.
