Valentine

Question 1

Not a red rose or a satin heart

Answer 1

Poetic Voice - starts by describing stereotypical valentine gifts, doesn’t think they hold much worth

Question 2

careful

Answer 2

Word Choice - suggests tenderness, affects to allow barriers to come down and expose themselves

Question 3

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper

Answer 3

Metaphor - “moon” has connotations of romance but “brown paper” gives the impression of everyday or nothing special, ties into poets idea if real love

Question 4

It promises light

Answer 4

Word Choice - light - has positive connotations, reflects the optimism at the start of relationships

Question 5

Here

Answer 5

One Word Sentence - suggests simplicity/straight forward, something is being given, forceful presentation

Question 6

It will blind you with tears like a lover

Answer 6

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

Question 7

I am trying to be truthful

Answer 7

Single Sentence Stanze - reflects the person’s desire to remain honest and keep things simple and realistic

Question 8

It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Not a cute card or a kissogram

Answer 9

Links back to the start of the poem, another reminder that the speaker disapproved of cliche gifts. Alliteration of “cute cards” and “red rose” could suggest that Duffy believes they are overused in love poems

Question 10

I give you an onion

Answer 10

Another reminder of their desire to give meaningful gifts

Question 11

possessive

Answer 11

Word Choice - connotations of jealousy, distractive and insecurity

Question 12

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

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Take it

Answer 13

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

Question 14

shrink

Answer 14

Word Choice - marriage might restrict a person. Idea of being constricted

Question 15

Lethal … Knife

Answer 15

Short One Word Sentences - another reminder that love can be dangerous and violent at times. The knife can destroy the onion

Question 16

Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring

Answer 16

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