Valentine

Question 1

Not a red rose or a satin heart.

Answer 1

Single line stanza – focuses attention on the key idea of what the poem (and a relationship) is not about. The juxtaposition of this line and the title disrupts readers’ expectations using the word ‘Not’. Speaker immediately dismisses conventional symbols of love (rose, heart). The stereotypical symbols emphasise the cliched commercialism of valentines day.

Question 2

I give you an onion.

Answer 2

Key symbol of the poem, which is used as an extended metaphor. Onion is unexpected so it shocks the reader in its ordinariness.

Question 3

It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.

Answer 3

Metaphor - Moon is a conventional symbol of love and suggests romance, but the defiant tone suggests the onion is a more meaningful romantic symbol. ‘brown paper’ – no fancy wrappings to disguise the object – truth/honesty. Also creates sense of mystery – what is inside the gift?

Question 4

It promises light

Answer 4

Positive aspect of love - optimism at the beginning of a relationship. Words linked with pleasant/enjoyable aspects of love; ‘promises’ also suggests assurance – a guarantee that the relationship will prosper, but are also conventional in a relationship (eg: weddings/engagements)

Question 5

like the careful undressing

Answer 5

Love has many layers– deeper emotion may be felt as you peel away the layers. The simile suggests a physical relationship. Emphasises physical passion in relationship and suggests this is an important part to be enjoyed and lingered over – ‘careful’.

Word choice of ‘careful’ suggests tenderness/ affection/warmth/ sensitivity.

Question 6

Here.

Answer 6

Command to accept the onion - reinforces the speaker’s insistence. The one word imperative sentence is a direct offer of love. The speaker gives the gift without ceremony or frills.

Question 7

It will bind you with tears
like a lover.

Answer 7

The word choice of ‘will’ suggests inevitability, the relationship will cause pain at some point
.
The word choice of ‘blind’ suggests inability to grasp things clearly, perhaps a loss of communication in the relationship. Is she playing with the cliché ‘love is blind’? ‘tears’ suggests pain/harm/damage, but more literally to the tearing when chopping an onion.

The Simile is an honest depiction of love – suggests love can cause distress/pain.

Question 8

It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief.

Answer 8

Metaphor - The onion is like a mirror but the image may be distorted, you won’t see yourself the way you expect or want to. Relationships can change who you are. Extended metaphor – ‘wobbling photo of grief’ – pain/tears/ distress can be caused by relationships/ truth/honesty; word choice suggests pain and heartache. Relationships are not always completely agreeable.

Question 9

I am trying to be truthful

Answer 9

Central idea of the poem is the Central line as the speaker sums up what they are trying to do – very direct statement; attitude of speaker before this line is mainly positive/gentle; after, more brutal, threatening. Very personal – note use of first person ‘I’. Suggestion that the meaningful gift is being misunderstood. The word ‘trying’ suggests the possible difficulty of always being honest in relationships.

Question 10

Not a cute card or kissogram.

Answer 10

Repetition of Structure – again does not wish to show their feelings through overly sentimental conventional symbols. Insincerity of modern consumerism is emphasised.

Question 11

I give you an onion.

Answer 11

Repetition - the speaker emphasises the importance of this gift being accepted by their lover.

Question 12

Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,

Answer 12

Word choice of “fierce” may suggest passion, but it also has hints of violence, showing the dark associations of love.

Metaphor - Taste of the onion is strong/difficult to erase – just like memory of a passionate relationship lasts after the relationship itself has ended. While this metaphor is truthful and sincere, the tone is forceful/aggressive.

Question 13

possessive and faithful

Answer 13

Word Choice - ‘possessive’ suggests an element of jealousy, even control. ‘Faithful’ gives a more positive feeling that love can bring security and trust. Again, Duffy appears to be using juxtaposition to present the dual nature of love.

Question 14

as we are,

Answer 14

Identified as a couple – suggests commitment, loyalty, rather than two individuals.

Question 15

for as long as we are.

Answer 15

Certainty of the previous lines is undermined. Suggestion that relationships don’t last, at least not forever. Speaker concentrates on what is now, not the future.

Question 16

Take it.

Answer 16

Another Command - shows the speaker’s insistence, and this is more assertive than previous commands. Suggests the recipient is still unsure about accepting the gift and the speaker becomes more determined. Accepting the gift means also accepting the truth about their relationship.

Question 17

Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring,

Answer 17

Metaphor - Comparison between the onion rings and a wedding ring. Word Choice - ‘shrinks’ may suggest that the relationship may restrict you or creating a sense of claustrophobia. Implication is that both partners are trapped in a situation that is neither fulfilling nor exciting.

Question 18

if you like.

Answer 18

Suggestion that the speaker does not care. Conveys that the wedding ring is not anymore meaningful than the previous symbols earlier in the poem. All serve a societal purpose rather than expressing real love.

Question 19

Lethal.

Answer 19

One word sentence, but unlike the others this is not a command, it is a warning. Intense relationship may lead to violence. Word choice has connotations of danger –– violence – even death; the speaker resorts to threat because they realise that their partner is unwilling to accept the gift – aggressive /threatening tone of speaker. Destructive nature of relationships.

Question 20

Its scent will cling to your fingers,

Answer 20

Metaphor - Smell of the onion is strong and difficult to erase – just like memory of a deep relationship may last after the relationship itself has ended. ‘scent’ when couple with ‘cling’ continues the idea of being manipulated into something you don’t want.

Question 21

cling to your knife.

Answer 21

Word choice of ‘cling’ has connotations of desperation. It is not a natural, nurturing way to express love, but rather feels forceful and unwelcome. Even if the relationship does not last, there is the sense that the memory / effects of this relationship will be long lasting.