Valentine By Carol Ann Duffy

Question 1

Valentine quote 1

Answer 1

‘I give you an onion’ - the removal of stereotypical gifts proving a more heartfelt approach

Question 2

Valentine quote 2

Answer 2

‘Moon wrapped in brown paper, it promises light’ - guidance in the plain and ordinary but promises aren’t always fufilled

Question 3

Valentine quote 3

Answer 3

‘Blind you with tears’ - sense of danger for the lovers

Question 4

Valentine quote 4

Answer 4

‘I’m trying to be truthful’ - still fails to be a perfect couple

Question 5

Valentine quote 5

Answer 5

‘Take it’, ‘if you like’ - forceful but wary

Question 6

Valentine quote 6

Answer 6

‘Cling to your knife’ - painful images of love

Question 7

Valentine context

Answer 7

• she dated men and women
• had a heat break after splitting up with Jackie Kay after 10 years
• positive and negative experiences of love

Question 8

Valentine structure

Answer 8

• not a sonnet which is strange as it is a love poem
• varied short verses mimics the rings forming an onion
• is unconventional like love

Question 9

Valentine personal response

Answer 9

• makes me think about the relationships I will have in the future
• makes me question if Duffy is biased
• makes me want to strive for good relationships