Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy Flashcards
Context
20th Century. British poet laureate from 2009 -2019. Female. Duffy writes about how the commercialism of Valentine’s Day can be subverted and that love can leave you bitter and angry. The poem challenges the traditional symbols and ideas of love
Not a red rose or a satin heart.”
The poem opens with a rejection of traditional romantic symbols, setting the tone for an unconventional and realistic depiction of love. By dismissing clichés like “a red rose” and “a satin heart,” Duffy challenges societal expectations and suggests that genuine love cannot be represented by superficial tokens.
I give you an onion.”
The central metaphor of the onion is unexpected and striking. It symbolizes a love that is layered, raw, and sometimes uncomfortable. The simplicity of the statement emphasizes the honesty and directness of the speaker’s approach to love.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.”
This line conveys the idea of hidden beauty and deeper meaning. The “moon” symbolizes romance and mystery, while the “brown paper” suggests that love’s true value lies beneath ordinary appearances. It challenges the notion that love must be outwardly grand or elaborate.
It will blind you with tears / Like a lover.”
The comparison between the onion and a lover highlights the emotional intensity of love, which can cause pain as well as joy. The simile emphasizes the raw and unfiltered emotions that come with genuine intimacy.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, / Possessive and faithful.”
The “fierce kiss” suggests passion and intensity, but the words “possessive” and “faithful” imply the dual nature of love—its ability to be both devoted and overwhelming. This line reflects the complex and sometimes contradictory emotions within relationships.
Take it. / Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring, / if you like.”
The “platinum loops” of the onion represent the circular layers of the vegetable, which shrink to resemble a wedding ring. This metaphor suggests the potential for commitment and long-term love but leaves it open-ended (“if you like”), acknowledging that not all relationships lead to marriage or permanence.
Its scent will cling to your fingers, / Cling to your knife.”
The ending emphasizes the lasting impact of love, which lingers even after it has ended. The “knife” introduces a darker tone, symbolizing potential pain, conflict, or the end of a relationship. This duality reflects the intensity and potential destructiveness of love.
Themes
Realism in Love
Honesty and Intimacy
Duality of Love
Subversion of Romantic Traditions
Realism in Love
The poem rejects idealized, romantic notions of love and instead explores its raw, emotional, and sometimes painful realities.
Honesty and Intimacy
Duffy emphasizes the importance of authenticity in relationships, portraying love as a deep and layered connection rather than a superficial or materialistic gesture.
Duality of Love
Love is shown to be both beautiful and challenging, capable of bringing joy and pain, devotion and possessiveness.
Subversion of Romantic Traditions
The poem critiques traditional symbols and expectations of romance, advocating for a more personal and meaningful expression of love.
Poem overview
Valentine is a powerful and unconventional exploration of love that challenges traditional romantic ideals. Through the extended metaphor of an onion, Duffy conveys the layered, raw, and sometimes difficult nature of genuine relationships. The poem’s direct language and honest tone invite readers to reflect on the complexities of love, highlighting both its joys and its challenges.
