Valentine Flashcards
Over view of the poem
Valentine” is a free verse poem written by Scottish poet, author, and playwright Carol Ann Duffy. The speaker presents their lover with a valentine in the form of an onion, then explains the reasoning behind this unusual gift. In doing so, the speaker critiques traditional, idealized images of love and argues for more complete and honest portrayals of its effects. Like much of Duffy’s work, this poem employs plain, straightforward language and uses the dramatic monologue mode to amplify a perspective that is usually sidelined from views.
What does the title do ‘“valentine”
Makes us think of all the nice gifts (clichè) , however the poem contradicts these ideas.
What is the first line of the poem
“Not a red rose or a satin heart.”
What is the last lone of the poem
“Its scent will cling to you fingers, /
Cling to you knife.”
How many stanza does it have
7 stanza (1, 4, 5, 1,1,5,6)
Who wrote the poem
Carol Ann Duffy
When was it released
In the year 1900
What title did duffy hold until 2019
Poet Laureate
What kind of poet is duffy
Modern day poet
What has her poems been subject too
Subject of controversy (public disagreement or heated discussion)
Duffy is a strong…….
A strong feminist
“Not a ......” Stanza 1 (line 1)
“Not a red rose or a satin heart”
“I give you…….”
Through out the poem
“I give you an onion”
“Shrink....” Stanza 7 (line 19)
“Shrink to a wedding ring”
Analyse - “not a red rose or a satin heart” Stanza 1 (line 1)
Alliteration
Standing alone, emphasising that thing we associate wiht valantine isnt hear and are not needed to define you love.
Analyse - “i give you an onion”
Throught the poem
Reptition - emphasising the inportance of their gift being accepted by their lover
“I” is direct adress.
Metaphor - many layers in a relaitonship , each woth meaning. You are slowly opening them up untill you reach the middle.
Analyse - “it is a moon” Stanza 2 (line 3)
Metaphor
Thr moon is very romantic, showing the writer brings love with this peculiar gift.
Analyse - “it promises light”
Enjambmet showing it carries on
“Light” is a symbol of hope, maybe suggestiong she is hoping for something to come in the future.
Analyse - “like the carfull undressing of love” Stanza 2 (line 5)
Simile
Very intimate, and passionate.
“Undressing of love” is associated with the layers of a relationship which you slowly explore.
Analyse - “blind you with tears/ like a lover Stanza 3 (line 7/ 8)
Personification and simile
Love is blind, people will often open up their hearts to someone they dont know. Causing pain and tears.
You can relate this to the “onion” becuse it can cause you tears when cutting it. Therefore when exploring layers of a relationship you may go through rough time, showing love isnt perfect.
Analyse - “trying to be truthful” Stanza 4 (line 11)
Alliteration
Stating that it is hard to tell the truth even though it is your lover. Telling us there would be some bad times.
This could also idicate thatvthe lover doesnt want to believe what their partner is saying.
Analyse - “not a cute card or a kissogram” Stnza 5 (line 12)
Repetition
Emphisising that these gidts have not meaning.
Analyse - “firce kiss” Stanza 6 (line 14)
Stron commitment, enthesises (have condrodict/ opposites near each other “possesive and “faithfull”) shows there are different feeling wothing a relationship.
Being “possesive” and “faithful” can have a possotive effect if they are balanced, however can take a turn if they are portrade wrong.
Analyse - “shrink to a wedding ring” Stanza 7 (lone 19)
Symbol of love
“Shrink” - can be negative because is shows sufficating p. A relationshipbmay be too controling.
Analyse - “cling to your fingers, / cling to your knife.”
Last line of the poem
Love can tear you appart. However their scent and feelings may be left with you and thr pain they caused when they leave.
Repetition of “cling” show that something/ one is despirate. Holding pnnwith dear life.
What is the tone of the poem
Through each stanza the tone of the peom changes from negative to positive showing how irregular relationships are.
Irregular stanza length
short stanzas followed by longer stanzas and the mix of sentence lengths gives the poem a stuttering feel which just adds to the air of unease that the poem delivers. This device acts as a mirror for the ups and downs of a relationship.
Stanza 1 is ….
Dismissive
Stanza two is ……
Romantic and hopefull
