Valentine

Question 1

Context on poem

Answer 1

• Often challenges traditional social constructs and stereotypes in her work
• Offers realistic portrayals of relationships
• The poem is considered an ecample of post-modernism as it deconstructs ideas that are seen as univeral
• Foregrounds marganilesed or unheard voices or dramatises arguments/conversations and moments of pain

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

Stanzas of irregular lengths

Some lines consist of single words, emphasizing a forceful tone

Poem appears disjointed, reflecting unpredictability in love

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Words are repeated - Mirrors the layers of an onion, as the poem’s meaning is revealed gradually

Playful tone

“Valentine” as a title suggests traditional love, but the poem subverts expectations

The speaker’s repeated insistence on accepting the gift is either encouraging or confrontational

Question 4

Summary of the Poem

Answer 4

The poem explains why an onion is an appropriate symbol of love

It is not a traditional gift, breaking away from conventional romantic gestures

Explores the different forms of love, both physical and emotional

Suggests that traditional expressions of love fail to capture its true essence

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Extended metaphor: The onion represents love

First-person narration: Directly addresses an unknown partner, making the poem personal

Contrasts with stereotypical romantic symbols like roses and chocolates

Negative language:
‘Blind’ ‘Lethal’ ‘Fierce’ - the dangers of love

Dark undertone: Possessive and potentially dangerous relationships implied

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Love is depicted as both emotional and physical

A growing sense of danger is implied towards the end

Honesty - The onion symbolizes both the beauty and pain love can cause

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief

Its fierce kiss will stay onn your lips, possessive and faithful

It’s scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife

Question 8

‘It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief’

Answer 8

• Metaphor - symbol of pain love can cause
• Heartbreak - identity is shaken by loss
• ‘Grief’ - upsetting
• ‘Wobble’ - uncertainity/insecurity/instability - love distorts perception

Question 9

‘Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, possessive and faithful’

Answer 9

• Juxtaposition between ‘fierce’ and ‘faithful’ - intense and painful side of love
• Kiss lingers - long-term emotional impact
• love can be controlling
• Physical perception of love - threatening, dangerous

Question 10

‘It’s scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife’

Answer 10

• Repetion of cling = emphasises the inescapability + suffocation
• ‘knife’ - violence and potential harm of love
• powerful, disturbing final image
• shows loves complexity