Valentine quotes Flashcards
What is the analyze of ‘Not a red rose or a satin heart’???
Poetic voice starts by dismissing
stereotypical valentine gifts -
doesn’t think they hold much
worth.
What is the analyze of ‘I give you an onion’???
Speaker is addressing a
romantic partner but gives
something unexpected.
What is the analyze of ‘It is a moon wrapped in brown paper’???
Metaphor - “moon” has
connotations of
romance but “brown
paper” gives the
impression of being
everyday or nothing
special - ties in with the
poet’s idea of real love -
real gifts don’t need
embellishment.
What is the analyze of ‘It promises light
like the careful undressing of love’???
“Light” has positive connotations.
Reflects optimism at the start of
relationships. Simile compares the
shedding of onion layers to delving
deeper into a relationship. Love
requires a careful hand. “careful
undressing” creates image of
undressing a partner.
What is the analyze of ‘careful’???
“Careful” suggests
tenderness, affection to allow
barriers to come down and
expose themselves.
What is the analyze of ‘Here’???
One word sentence suggests
simplicity/straight forward - something
is being given - forceful presentation.
What is the analyze of ‘It will blind you with tears
like a lover.’???
Simile - accepts the truth about love - it
isn’t all perfect and happy - onion’s scent
compared to hurting the one you love.
What is the analyze of ‘It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.’???
Metaphor - referring to the person’s
reflection when one’s eyes are full of tears
- love can distress - destructuve.
What is the analyze of ‘I am trying to be truthful’???
Single sentence stanza reflects
person’s desire to remain honest and
keep things simple and realistic.
What is the analyze of ‘Not a cute card or a kissogram’???
Link back to the start of the poem -
another reminder that the speaker
disapproves of cliche gifts.
Alliteration of “cute card” and “red
rose”could suggest Duffy’s belief
that it’s overused n love poems.
What is the analyze of ‘I give you an onion’???
Another reminder of their
desire to give meaningful gifts.
What is the analyze of ‘Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips’???
Even when love is true,
there can be hard
times or danger.
Suggests passion can
get out of control -
darker associations.
What is the analyze of ‘possessive’???
Word choice - connotations of
jealousy, distrust and insecurity.
What is the analyze of ‘and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.’???
Cynical about love - instead
of promising to last forever,
the relationship will only last
for as long as they work at it.
What is the analyze of ‘Take it’???
Short sentence hints that speaker
has become a bit desperate and
worries the gift will not be
accepted and neither will she.
