Valentine

Question 1

Title (Valentine)

Answer 1

On the surface the title suggests that the poem will be a simple expression of love. However, just like an onion, there are many different layers to the poem, surprising the reader as we ‘unpeel’ the meanings.

Question 2

Heart (Valentine)

Answer 2

“Not a red rose or a satin heart”

The first line stands out and creates an initially assertive and negative tone. This surprises the reader who is perhaps expecting a traditional romantic poem having read the title. This confrontational tone is repeated throughout th poem, emphasising the poet’s intention to challenge the stereotypical ideas of love like “cute card”, “red rose”

Question 3

Vegetable (Valentine)

Answer 3

“an onion”

Duffy creates an unusual but memorable metaphor to symbolise her love - “an onion”, “wrapped in brown paper”. An onion has a stron, sharp acidic taste, giving flavour and depth to a meal. The comparison with the onion suggests her love is very distinctive and cannot be ignored - perhaps overwhelming for some?

Question 4

The Sphere Rock (Valentine)

Answer 4

“It is a moon wrappedin brown paper”

The “moon” metaphor is also an interesting comparison. Whilst the moon is associated with love it is also linked with mystery. “It promises light” could suggest that her love might be attractive at first, but may bring darkness later. The brown paper suggests Duffy is being honest about herself - she is not depressing herself up to pretend she is something she is not.

Question 5

Personal pronoun without onion (Valentine)

Answer 5

“I am trying to be truthful”

Duffy uses the first person “I” and present tense to make the poem seem very personal and immediate. It is like we are watching her profess her love.

Question 6

Threatening Language (Valentine)

Answer 6

“fierce kiss” and “Lethal”

The adjective “fierce” and “lethal” create a threatening tone to the poem. She seems slightly unstable towards the end of the poem.

Question 7

Imperatives (Valentine)

Answer 7

“Take it”

Duffy repeatedly uses imperatives to command her lovers attention. this could suggest she is confident in communicating her love - or perhaps hints at a desperate and needy side to her.