Valentine

Question 1

Valentine

Answer 1

Title suggests poem will deal with conventional
notions of love - proved wrong in first line.

Question 2

Not a red rose or a satin heart.

Answer 2

Poetic voice starts by dismissing stereotypical valentine gifts - doesn’t think they hold much worth.

Question 3

I give you an onion.

Answer 3

Speaker is addressing a romantic partner but gives something unexpected.

Question 4

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.

Answer 4

Metaphor - “moon” has connotations of romance but “brown paper” gives the impression of being everyday or nothing special - ties in with the poet’s idea of real love - real gifts don’t need embellishment.

Question 5

It promises light/
like the careful undressing of love.

Answer 5

“Light” has positive connotations. Reflects optimism at the start of relationships. Simile compares the shedding of onion layers to delving deeper into a relationship. Love requires a careful hand. “careful undressing” creates image of undressing a partner.

Question 6

(like the) careful (undressing of love)

Answer 6

“Careful” suggests tenderness, and affection to allow barriers to come down and expose themselves.

Question 7

Here.

Answer 7

One word sentence suggests simplicity/straight forward - something is being given - forceful presentation.

Question 8

It will blind you with tears/
like a lover.

Answer 8

Simile - accepts the truth about love - it isn’t all perfect and happy - onion’s scent compared to hurting the one you love.

Question 9

It will make your reflection/
a wobbling photo of grief.

Answer 9

Metaphor - referring to the person’s reflection when one’s eyes are full of tears - love can distress

Question 10

I am trying to be truthful.

Answer 10

Single sentence stanza reflects person’s desire to remain honest and keep things simple and realistic.

Question 11

Not a cute card or a kissogram.

Answer 11

Link back to the start of the poem - another reminder that the speaker disapproves of cliche gifts.

Alliteration of “cute card” and “red rose”could suggest Duffy’s belief that it’s overused n love poems.

Question 12

I give you an onion

Answer 12

Another reminder of their desire to give meaningful gifts.

Question 13

Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,

Answer 13

Even when love is true, there can be hard times or danger. Suggests passion can get out of control - darker associations.

Question 14

possessive and faithful

Answer 14

Word choice (Possessive) - connotations of jealousy, distrust and insecurity

Word choice (Faithful) - connotations of trust, stability and devotion

Contrast between the two word choice

Question 15

possessive and faithful/
as we are,/
for as long as we are

Answer 15

Cynical about love - instead of promising to last forever, the relationship will only last for as long as they work at it.

Question 16

Take it.

Answer 16

Short sentence hints that speaker has become a bit desperate and worries the gift will not be accepted and neither will she.

Question 17

Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring,

Answer 17

The further you get into a relationship the more serious it gets - ending in marriage.

Marriage might restrict a person. Idea of being constricted.

Question 18

if you like

Answer 18

Casual offer reinforces the idea that a more honest type of love is more important and true.

Question 19

Lethal.

Answer 19

Another reminder that love can be dangerous and violent at times. The knife can destroy the onion.

Question 20

Its scent will cling to your fingers,/
cling to your knife.

Answer 20

Suggests the possessive side of love and how it can lead to tension.

Question 21

What are the themes explored in the poem

Answer 21

Themes:
Love
Destruction
Honesty
Consequences
Contrast