Stanza 5

Question 1

‘Take it.’

Answer 1

This is a forceful command, so Duffy wants the reader to accept the reality of love and stresses how important it is to know that.

Question 2

‘It’s platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring’

Answer 2

‘Platinum loops’ literally refers to the layers inside an onion and also suggests the material of the ring. ‘Shrink’ suggests marriage causes restrictions and it can limit what you do, and trap you inside of it. This shows a negative view of marriage because it may limit freedom and be possessive. However ‘if you like’ shows it is a choice and it is not forced, and therefore it is not completely negative.