Valentine

Question 1

Form

Answer 1

Irregular stanzas symbolise Duffy’s temperamental and unreliable personality

Single word lines gives a sense of forcefullness

Enjambement breaks up similes, emphasising their subversion of traditional themes. Also shows the flowing passion Duffy

Repetition of ‘I give you an onion’ gives forceful, domineering impression

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

Wanes back and forth between sweet and then possessive, we are forced to question the sanity and motives of the voice

I am trying to be truthful. Then it begins again. The voice is trying to be honest but struggling with how to get it out

The words and ideas are repeated and built up with increasing force giving the voice a sense of force-fullness (give-> take) ;symbolises different layers of an onion

The immediate negative tone of ‘not’ subverts the reader’s expectations

Question 3

Language

Answer 3

Possessive, dark and fierce imagery which subverts the reader’s expectations

The corporeal imagery shows possession

Lethal is end-stopped and alone of the line - dependency and isolation if the other were to leave , also theme of danger

Question 4

Not a red rose or a satin heart

Answer 4

Subverts expectations
Alliteration seems almost mocking
Tactile imagery

Question 5

Moon metaphor

Answer 5

Massive, distant, lonely
Moon provides life functions
Something to wonder at
Smaller

Question 6

Here.

Answer 6

Forceful, demanding

Question 7

It will blind you with tears like a lover

Answer 7

Negative connotations

She is trying to seduce him with a horrible idea of love

Question 8

A wobbling photo of grief

Answer 8

Hurt

why would u want that for ur significant other?

Question 9

I am trying to be truthful.

Answer 9

Anonymous warning

Question 10

Not a cute card or Kissogram

Answer 10

More mocking tone with alliteration

Question 11

I give you an onion.

Answer 11

Repetition
She is trying again to emphasise her point
Obsessive?

Question 12

Fierce kiss

Answer 12

Would normally indicate passion, but this woman is nuts so ya know

Question 13

Possessive and faithful

Answer 13

Positive and negative ways of saying the same thing

Fluctuating sanity
Why negative first?

Question 14

for as long as we are

Answer 14

She does not expect the relationship to last
It might self destruct
She’s in it for the ride

Question 15

Take it.

Answer 15

Command

Question 16

Platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring

Answer 16

Rare, expensive -> a reward
Possessive , long time away

Platinum is very light , pure , but also steely - callous and cold?

Question 17

Lethal. cling to your knife

Answer 17

Long lasting impact
The love will kill them both but she Still wants it

Dark connotations give ending eerie feel as it does not feel finished .

Love can wound

Threat?

Question 18

CONTEXT?

Answer 18

First woman to hold a Poet Laureate in the UK - 2009

Question 19

Extended metaphor

Answer 19

Unusual
Love provides necessary and sustenance, but it superficially causes pain
Different layers

Alliteration and consonance of ‘cute card or kissogram’ gives sense of disdain and contempt, emphasises the theme of honesty portrayed by the extended metaphor of the onion.

Question 20

Direct address

Answer 20

Personal
The reader feels threatened
Also the personal pronouns increase direct sense, it is meant for a specific person, not universal