Valentine

Question 1

Valentine (title)

Answer 1

Title suggests this this poem will deal with fairly conventional notions of love with positive connotations

Question 2

Not

Answer 2

The title is juxtaposed with the first line with the negative not clearly shutting down al positive associations with this title

Question 3

I give you an onion

Answer 3

Repetition of this line highlights the importance of this gift being accepted by the lover. Sounds humorous compared to line 1.

Question 4

Moon

Answer 4

Associated with brightness, happiness and light. Also it is said to influence moods and emotions specially in women

Question 5

Wrapped

Answer 5

Highlights that this onion is a special gift with care put into it

Question 6

Brown paper

Answer 6

Refers to the texture and colour of the outer layer reminding us that gifts don’t need to be concealed with expensive wrapping

Question 7

Promises light

Answer 7

Conveys optimism and hopefulness of lovers

Question 8

Like the careful undressing of love

Answer 8

Like love, the unwrapping of the onion gives way to a more tender inside. Care must be taken as to not damage the special insides as it is precious. Different layers when discovering new people in a relationship.

Question 9

Here.

Answer 9

Powerfully stopped short line emphasises forceful presentation of gift

Question 10

It will blind you with tears like a lover

Answer 10

Simile - relationships may occasionally cause pain and make you cry just as getting to close to an onion causes a stream of tears

Question 11

It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief

Answer 11

Vulnerability and danger people expose themselves to in a relationship when they fully show theirselves and it reminds us of loves destructive potential

Question 12

I am trying to be truthful

Answer 12

Attempting to justify all that has been said so far and continues to stress her desire for honesty with the relationship. Alliteration strengthens feeling that love should be honest. Change in tone - this is turning point

Question 13

Not (a cute card or a kissogram)

Answer 13

Single line juxtaposes with the line before. As if cute cards and kissograms are not truthful and exposes the opening more rejecting line

Question 14

Kissogram.

Answer 14

Full stop signifies a pause as the speaker awaits their gift to be received

Question 15

I give you an onion

Answer 15

Repetition of line 2 reminds the reader of the gift

Question 16

It’s fierce kiss will stay on your lips

Answer 16

Sibilance reinforces kissing sounds creating onomatopoeic effect. Harsh

Question 17

Possessive and faithful

Answer 17

Attempting to articulate not only the romantic, positive aspects of love but it’s more negative, darker associations. Possessive has connotations of controlling and clingy

Question 18

For as long as we are

Answer 18

Cynical tone - suggest that love is temporary but the scent is overwhelming, lasting longer. Maybe suggests that lovers should only stay together for as long as they are passionate.

Question 19

Take it

Answer 19

Another powerful command. Mor edirect this time reinforced by full stop. Builds to climax

Question 20

Lethal

Answer 20

Powerful. Implies love can be lethal and dangerous causing harm to both. Reinforces the notion of imminent death

Question 21

It’s scent will cling to your fingers cling to your knife

Answer 21

Connotations of being annoying, possessive and irritating. Suggests a lack of space and that is annoying. Powerful love is hard to forget and it may lead you to difficult situations where the final outcome may be brutal and violent