Valentine Flashcards
“Not a red rose or a satin heart.”
Dismissive tone - By inserting a negative the speaker rejects stereotypical gifts bought for partners on Valentine’s Day. The speaker doesn’t feel these gifts hold much sentiment and is making clear what she will not be buying.
“I give you an onion.”
Contrast - ‘onion’ contrasts a ‘red rose or a satin heart’ because it is unexpected and very unconventional which surprises the reader. The repetition of this line emphasises the importance of the romantic partner accepting the speaker’s gift.
“It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.”
Metaphor - ‘moon’ has connotations of romance with contrasts ‘brown paper’ which gives the impression of being ordinary and nothing special. This links to the poet’s idea of real love and that gifts don’t need embellishing with the gaudy Valentine’s wrapping paper everyone uses. It is a normal relationship to the outside but there is something special within it.
“It promises light/ like the careful undressing of love.”
‘Word choice of ‘light’ suggests the optimism at the beginning of a new relationship. The simile is a comparison of the peeling the layers of an onion to to diving deeper into a relationship. ‘Careful undressing’ also creates a sense of intimacy with an image of undressing a partner. ‘Careful’ connotes the tenderness and affection when barriers come down and partners open up to each other.
“Here.”
Minor sentence - a darker and more sinister tone starts to develop. The forceful nature of the speaker is established.
“It will blind you with tears/ like a lover.”
Simile - the speaker accepts the harsh truth about love - it isn’t perfect and sunshine all the time. The intense scent of an onion brings tears to your eyes just like being hurt by the one you love. The atmosphere switches here and foreshadows drama. A lover is like an onion - it can bring pain as well.
“It will make your reflection/ a wobbling photo of grief.”
Extended metaphor and word choice - ‘Wobbling’ refers to the instability of the speaker’s emotions and relationship. The speaker is emphasising the vulnerability and danger you’re exposed to during a romantic relationship.
“I am trying to be truthful.”
Emphatic statement - The speaker is trying to stress her desire for honesty in a relationship. She is maybe justifying everything she has said so far. Honesty is preferable to deceit and it is ambiguous whether the speaker means it can be hard to be honest or whether her partner doesn’t want to accept the truth.
“Not a cute card or a kissogram.”
She is reiterating her point by linking to the opening line of the poem and further emphasises the speaker’s rejection of Valentine’s Day clichés.
“Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips”
Personification - suggests that love can also bring danger and hard times. Passion may get out of control and love can have darker associations. The taste of an onion will remain on your lips for a long time just like the mark of a relationship is difficult to erase.
“possessive and faithful”
‘Possessive’ is a negative characteristic and ‘faithful’ seems slightly more positive which creates a contrast. Possessive suggests jealousy and insecurity. These adjectives convey the complexity of a relationship.
“as we are, for as long as we are.”
The speaker is cynical about love. Instead of believing her relationship will last forever, she only sees it working for as long as they put effort into it. The speaker doesn’t believe in everlasting love and she thinks the future isn’t guaranteed.
“Take it.”
This imperative command hints that the speaker is certain of her gift and instructs her lover to accept it in a demanding tone. She is even more insistent that he take it than before. Links to ‘Here.’
“Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring,”
The poet is reminding us that traditional relationships usually end in a marriage. The inner rings of an onion are being compared to precious wedding rings. ‘Shrink’ suggests that the speaker believes marriage can restrict a person physically and emotionally. The speaker is inferring that by sticking to the conventional way of being in a relationship it can destroy it. Being in a free romance doesn’t have restrictions.
“Lethal.”
This single minor sentence and powerful adjective brings attention to the violence and harm love can cause. ‘Lethal’ is associated with death which makes it have intense connotations.
