Valentine

Question 1

why is the title effective?

Answer 1

• minor sentence for impact

- sets up expectations of a love poem, which are then undermined

Question 2

why are the red rose, satin heart, cute card etc mentioned?

Answer 2

• to show the stereotypical, clichéd symbols of love which the speaker rejects as she thinks they do not reflect the true nature of relationships

Question 3

in what ways could the speaker’s tone be considered menacing?

Answer 3

• mention of the knife and “lethal” suggests violence

- mention of “cling” and “possessive” suggests an unhealthy obsession with their partner

Question 4

in which ways in the onion like “ a moon wrapped in brown paper”

Answer 4

• spherical shape, silvery colour

- covered in papery brown ‘skin’

Question 5

what is the significance of the idea of a gift wrapped in “brown paper”?

Answer 5

Brown paper is a very plain and inexpensive covering. The speaker is not trying to make the gift seem fancy with colourful and attractive wrapping. She is trying to convey an honest view of love, not a glorified one.

Question 6

In which ways does the poem suggest that an onion similar to love?

Answer 6

• can make you cry
• layers (different stages of love)
• strong aftertaste and smell (love hard to forget)
• silvery loops when cut (wedding ring)

Question 7

“It promises light”

Answer 7

“promises” suggests a faithful commitment
“light” suggests honesty
all positive qualities in a relationship

Question 8

what does the speaker’s view of live seem to be?

Answer 8

it can be wonderful and make you happy. However it can also be negative and make you very unhappy, for example if one partner is more involved than the other, if someone is unfaithful, etc…

Question 9

What points of comparison can you use for this poem?

Answer 9

love
interesting character
use of contrast
use of symbolism

Question 10

which other poem uses symbolism for love?

Answer 10

Anne Hathaway - the bed

Question 11

which other poem shows the negative side of love, or an unhealthy relationship?

Answer 11

Havisham, Mrs Midas

Question 12

which other poems make use of contrast?

Answer 12

Originally - before and after she fitted in

War Photographer - the war zone and home

Question 13

which other poems have interesting characters?

Answer 13

primarily Havisham, as she is clearly mentally unstable. however you could argue that all of them have interesting characters in some way

Question 14

“like the careful undressing of love”

Answer 14

compares stripping the onion’s paper to undressing a lover. “careful” suggests it is a loving, intimate relationship.

Question 15

Which phrases suggest the speaker’s growing frustration at her partner’s rejection of the gift?

Answer 15

“here” (short) and “take it” (minor) sentences for impact

Question 16

Which quotations compare the onion’s ability to make your eyes water to a lover’s ability to break your heart?

Answer 16

“it will blind you with tears like a lover”

“it will make your reflection of wobbling photo of grief”

Question 17

which quotation sums up the central idea of the poem - the speaker is trying to give an honest view of love

Answer 17

“I am trying to be truthful” (short sentence for impact)

Question 18

“fierce kiss”

Answer 18

oxymoron. While “kiss” connotes tender and loving, “fierce” suggests something angry and possibly violent. Could suggests a passionate kiss or hint at something darker – a violent relationship

Question 19

“possessive and faithful”

Answer 19

While these words both have to do with wanting someone all to yourself, “possessive” suggests an unhealthy lack of freedom, while “faithful” is more positive and suggests trust and fidelity.

Question 20

“Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring”

Answer 20

A wedding ring is the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. “shrink” suggests restriction, lack of freedom, again hinting at the idea of feeling trapped in a relationship.

Question 21

which quotations suggest that the speaker suspects her partner may not have as strong feelings for her?

Answer 21

“wedding ring, if you like”

“faithful, as we are, for as long as we are”

Question 22

“lethal”

Answer 22

minor sentence for impact. hints at violent relationships.

Question 23

“cling to your fingers, cling to your knife” (last line)

Answer 23

repetition of “cling” suggests the speaker is possessive and needy towards her partner. “cling” also suggests the idea of the memories and feelings from a relationship remaining when it is over. “knife” suggest violence.