valentine do this

• Valentine


  On the surface the title suggests that the poem will be a simple expression of love. However, just like an onion, there are many different layers to the poem, surprising the reader as we 'unpeel' the meanings.
• "Not a rose or a satin heart"


  • The first line stands out and creates an initially assertive and negative tone. This surprises the reader who is perhaps expecting a traditional romantic poem having read the title.
• Confrontational tone


  • Repeated throughout the poem, emphasising the poet's intention to challenge the stereotypical ideas of love – "cute card", "red rose".
• "I give you an onion"


  Duffy creates an unusual but memorable metaphor to symbolise her love – "an onion", "wrapped in brown paper". An onion has a strong, sharp and acidic taste, giving flavour and depth to a meal. The comparison with the onion suggests her love is very distinctive and cannot be ignored – perhaps overwhelming for some?
• "It is a moon"


  The "moon" metaphor is also an interesting comparison. Whilst the moon is associated with love, it is also linked with mystery.
• "It promises light"


  Could suggest that her love might be attractive at first, but may bring darkness later.
• "Wrapped in brown paper"


  The "brown paper" suggests Duffy is being honest about herself–she is not dressing herself up to pretend she is something she is not.
• "blind you with tears", "faithful"


  This hints at a bad experience with love in Duffy's past– she knows the pain of lost love.
• "I am trying to be faithful"


  Duffy uses the first person ("I") and present tense to make the poem seem very personal and immediate. It is like we are watching her profess her love.
• "fierce kiss" , "Lethal"


  The adjectives "fierce" and "lethal" create a threatening tone to the poem. She seems slightly unstable towards the end of the poem.
• "Take it"


  Duffy repeatedly uses imperatives to command her lover's attention. This could suggest she is confident in communicating her love – or perhaps hints at a desperate and needy side to her.
• "cling"

  The verb "cling" is repeated twice to suggest she is not going anywhere until he returns her love.
• "wedding-ring"

  The "wedding-ring" shows she intends to marry this man– this makes her seem very forward and almost obsessive.