Valentine

Summary of the poem:

The poem "Valentine" by Carol Ann Duffy presents an unconventional take on love and relationships.

The speaker rejects traditional Valentine's Day gifts and offers their lover an onion as a symbol of love.

The poem explores the complexity of love, both its positive and negative aspects, and emphasises the importance of honesty in relationships.

The inspiration for the poem:

The poem was inspired by the idea of challenging conventional notions of love and Valentine's Day gifts.

It seeks to subvert traditional symbols of love and present a more honest and multifaceted portrayal of love.

The form of the poem:

Free verse:

The poem does not adhere to a specific rhyme or meter, allowing for greater freedom of expression.

Irregular stanzas: The poem's stanzas vary in length, reflecting the speaker's unconventional approach to love.

Dramatic monologue:

The poem is presented as a monologue, with the speaker addressing their lover directly.

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Poetry

Themes:

Unconventional love:

"Not a red rose or a satin heart."

The poem challenges traditional symbols of love and suggests that true love can be represented by something as ordinary as an onion.

Honesty and truthfulness in relationships:

"I am trying to be truthful."

The poem emphasises the importance of being honest and open in a romantic relationship, even if it means acknowledging its potential for pain.

Images:

The onion:

"I give you an onion."

The onion is a central image representing love. It starts as something concealed but, when unwrapped, reveals its layers, much like the process of emotional intimacy.

The moon:

"a moon wrapped in brown paper"

The comparison of the onion to the moon suggests the romantic and luminous qualities of love, even in its unconventional form.

Style techniques

Repetition

"I give you an onion."

The repetition of this phrase emphasises the speaker's insistence on the unconventional gift and its significance.

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Poetry

Enjambment

"It will blind you with tears / like a lover."

Enjambment creates a sense of flow and connection between lines, mirroring the interconnectedness of love and tears.

Language techniques

Metaphor

"The onion is a moon wrapped in brown paper."

The onion is metaphorically compared to the moon, highlighting its romantic and hidden qualities.

Simile

"like the careful undressing of love"

The simile compares the process of peeling an onion to the gradual emotional unveiling in a romantic relationship, adding depth to the poem's meaning.

Personal reflection

1. How does "Valentine" by Carol Ann Duffy make you reevaluate the symbolism of love and its expression in everyday objects?

2. What emotions does the onion symbol in the poem evoke for you?

3. How does "Valentine" prompt you to rethink love and relationships?