Valentine - Carol Ann Duffy

Question 1

Unconventional - Valentine

Answer 1

extended metaphor of an onion to represent love
written in free verse with lots of single line verses
she goes against the norm
slightly unsettling + intriguing
“Not a red rose or a Satin heart”

Question 2

Harmful - Valentine

Answer 2

“lethal.” - caesura for emphasis and to unnerve readers
“cling to your knife” - final line. Violent connotations - mutual destruction

Question 3

Dysfunctional - Valentine

Answer 3

Forceful imperative verbs to emphasise controlling nature “Take it.” full stop emphasises insistence
“a wobbling photo of grief” - not usually associated with typical tenderness of love - negative connotations
insinuating arguments or heartbreak, things people usually avoid in relationships
However they thrive in it together
“possesive and faithful/as we are”

Question 4

Commericalism of love - Valentine

Answer 4

“cute card” “Kissogram” superficial expressions of love as people are told they have to express it in that way
Gives a more honest view with more disturbing/realistic aspects “it will blind you with tears/like a lover”

Question 5

Love is multifaceted - Valentine

Answer 5

“the careful undressing of love” - shows she thinks love is layered (like an onion (shrek))
You should be able to love someone at their best and worst.

Question 6

Context - Valentine

Answer 6

• Written for a radio producer asking for an original poem for valentine’s day published 1993 in ‘Mean time’
• expresses love and affection in the form of a conceit
• part of the Postmodernism literary movement