Valentine

Question 1

Not

Answer 1

begins with negative word choice. we immediately know poem won’t be a traditional representation of a valentine or love

Question 2

Not a red rose or a satin heart

Answer 2

rejection of traditional symbols of love which have become original gift ideas with not much thought put into buying them. word choice attached negativity to these items.

Question 3

I give you an onion

Answer 3

The metaphor of the onion for love is the central image being developed throughout the whole poem. may seem like a comical offering however the multilayered complexity of the onion makes it an excellent symbol for love and real relationships.

Question 4

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.

Answer 4

Metaphor. the white of the onion being the moon. referring to the moon reminds us of the conventional symbols of romance. texture and colour of the outer layer reminds us that real romantic gifts don’t need fancy wrapping to have the same meaning. there’s an honesty to that and this is a positive aspect of love.

Question 5

light

Answer 5

optimism, hope, purity of love - suggesting the relationship will be enriching and fulfilling.

Question 6

like the careful undressing of love

Answer 6

simile. “careful” suggests tenderness and warmth/affection and sensitivity between lovers as love gradually allows barriers to come down and layers of personality to be shown.

Question 7

Here

Answer 7

single word command. slightly forceful presentation of gift

Question 8

It will blind you with tears like a lover

Answer 8

simile. a real relationship can also bring pain/sadness

Question 9

make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief

Answer 9

metaphor. if you look at yourself in the mirror when crying, your image will appear blurry. this metaphor highlights the vulnerability and danger people expose themselves to when they open themselves completely to a romantic relationship. this person has the power to hurt you the most, relationships have the potential to be destructive.

Question 10

I am trying to be truthful

Answer 10

suggest that being honest might be painful but is the right thing to do for a real relationship to work. stresses the desire of honesty within a relationship

Question 11

Not a cute card or a kissogram

Answer 11

“Not” echos opening line. rejection of stereotypical valentines gifts

Question 12

I give you an onion

Answer 12

repeating this fact emphasises speaker’s insistence that the onion is the perfect gift and is more meaningful than those other romantic gifts

Question 13

fierce kiss

Answer 13

passionate, romantic yet also a darkness that can be associated with love

Question 14

stay on your lips

Answer 14

strong taste of onion will linger, implying the memory of the kiss will linger

Question 15

possessive

Answer 15

negative word choice. reveals an element of insecurity that most people have. you’re claiming that person as your own - no one else gets to kiss them

Question 16

faithful

Answer 16

positive word choice. trustworthy and committed.

Question 17

Take it

Answer 17

this command continues the insistence on accepting the gift

Question 18

shrink to a wedding right

Answer 18

wedding ring is a traditional symbol of love and has positive connotations. eternal nature of circle becomes romantic in the context of a relationship. “shrink” could be interpreted as negative - a perspective of marriage being constrictive.

Question 19

lethal

Answer 19

love can be deadly, feels terrible if it goes wrong and can be destructive or it can be the death of you individually or death of who you were before

Question 20

cling to your fingers

Answer 20

the smell of onion on your hands isn’t pleasant and you would want to remove it but, like the smell of an onion is hard to remove, the consequences of a relationship can be difficult to remove too

Question 21

cling to your

Answer 21

repetition echos idea of possessive love. the effects of love in a powerful relationship will remain with you.

Question 22

knife

Answer 22

poem ends dramatically with knife to chop onion which can make you cry. ending can be seen as a sinister way to leave the poem and implies that love will always be associated with pain.

Question 23

as we are

Answer 23

repetition emphasises the strong bond between them

Question 24

for as long as we are

Answer 24

mixture of positive and negative word choice, along with this line, indicates realistic awareness of what relationships are. no unrealistic promises, they will be together for as long as their love lasts, however long that may be.