Valentine Flashcards
Annotate the title: “Valentine”
The title suggests that the poem will be a simple expression of love
It sets up the expectation of a clichéd love poem that is immediately contradicted by the next line
Annotate the line: “Not a red rose or a satin heart”
It is unexpected, negative and cuts out the ‘traditional’ expectation of a romantic poem - contradicts to the title
It stands out and creates an initially assertive and negative tone - this surprises the reader.
The line also stands alone - striking and unexpected
What does the metaphor of the “onion” suggest?
The anaphora- “I give you an onion” - the metaphor of the onion is unexpected and unusual to the idea of traditional love.
It symbolises Duffy’s love - however it has a strong, sharp taste
Comparison to the onion could suggest her love is distinctive and cannot be ignored, perhaps overwhelming?
