Valentine

Question 1

Context on poem

Answer 1

Written by Carol Ann Duffy, a Scottish poet

A postmodern poem that deconstructs traditional ideas of love

Duffy often writes to represent reality, common themes include gender issues, social inequality, and relationships

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

Stanzas of irregular lengths

Some lines consist of single words, emphasizing a forceful tone

Poem appears disjointed, reflecting unpredictability in love

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Words are repeated - Mirrors the layers of an onion, as the poem’s meaning is revealed gradually

Playful tone

“Valentine” as a title suggests traditional love, but the poem subverts expectations

The speaker’s repeated insistence on accepting the gift is either encouraging or confrontational

Question 4

Summary of the Poem

Answer 4

The poem explains why an onion is an appropriate symbol of love

It is not a traditional gift, breaking away from conventional romantic gestures

Explores the different forms of love, both physical and emotional

Suggests that traditional expressions of love fail to capture its true essence

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Extended metaphor: The onion represents love

First-person narration: Directly addresses an unknown partner, making the poem personal

Contrasts with stereotypical romantic symbols like roses and chocolates

Negative language:
‘Blind’ ‘Lethal’ ‘Fierce’ - the dangers of love

Dark undertone: Possessive and potentially dangerous relationships implied

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Love is depicted as both emotional and physical

A growing sense of danger is implied towards the end

Honesty - The onion symbolizes both the beauty and pain love can cause

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

‘It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief’
- Metaphor - symbol of pain love can cause
- ‘Grief’ - very negative
- ‘Wobble’ - uncertainity and insecurity

Its fierce kiss will stay onn your lips, possessive and faithful
- Juxtaposition - faithgul suggests a commited loving relationship
- Cant wash it away = strength
- Physical perception of love - threatening, dangerous

It’s scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife
- Repetion of cling = emphasises the inescapability + suffocation
- ‘knife’ - violence and potential harm
- powerful, disturbing final image