Valentine Flashcards
Who was Valentine written by?
Carol Ann Duffy
When was Valentine written?
1993
What are some context points about Carol Ann Duffy?
- Contemporary Scottish poet
- Her writing explores ideas about gender, oppression, and sexuality
- The first female Poet Laureate
- The first openly gay Poet Laureate
- Valentine was written when a radio station asked Duffy to write an original poem for Valentine’s Day
What is significant about Valentine’s structure?
It is not a sonnet and does not use rhyming couplets. Rejects traditional love poetry structure. Uses free verse which could suggest freedom
What is significant about the title of Valentine?
Establishes theme of love
“Not a red…
…rose or a satin heart”
“I give…
…you an onion”
“moon…
…wrapped in brown paper”
“careful…
…undressing of love”
“it will blind…
…you with tears like a lover”
“wobbling…
…photo of grief”
“I am trying…
…to be truthful”
“Not a cute…
…card or a kissogram”
“fierce…
…kiss will stay on your lips”
“possessive…
…and faithful”
“as we are…
…for as long as we are”
“Take…
…it.”
“platinum…
…loops shrink to a wedding ring”
“if you…
…like”
“Lethal…
…Its scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife”
What is Valentine about?
Duffy, on the surface, rejects traditional love imagery but also includes it under the unusual love imagery. This suggests that some try to make their love sound different, but it is just the same underneath. This implies that this “different” love can be used as a façade for aggressive intentions.
