Valentine

Question 1

Point 1 - Subverts expectations of love

Answer 1

‘Not a red rose or a satin heart’ - these are traditional signs of love
‘Not a cute card or a kissogram’ - these are traditional signs of love
‘I give you an onion’ - suggests this is a more accurate portrayal of love as it is imperfect
‘as we are for as long as we are’ - showing love lasts forever
‘I am trying to be truthful’ - the writer’s honesty

Question 1

Point 2 - Describes love as sometimes painful and dangerous

Answer 1

‘It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief’ - showing love can hurt you
‘bling you with tears’ - suggests relationship can make you upset
‘possessive and faithful’ - describing the jealousy of relationships
‘lethal’
‘cling to your knife’ - showing that love can be long lasting a dangerous

Question 2

Point 3 -Describes love through the image of an onion

Answer 2

‘It is a moon wrapped in brown paper’ - the moon is romantic but the brown bag shows how it is more everyday
‘careful undressing of love’ - like the layers of the onion
‘It’s platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring’ - the ring is a serious end to a relationship and it took time to get there

Question 3

Context

Answer 3

• Valentine is considered a post modern poem
• It criticises the stereotypical portrayals of love in romantic comedies and other pieces of media
• It also critics those of heteronormative relationships

Question 4

Techniques

Answer 4

Reptation of ‘I give you an onion’
Writes in free verse