Valentine- Carol Ann Duffy
Form: This is written in the first person, addressing her lover as 'you'. The poem is universal as there is no indication of sex. Duffy uses single isolated lines to show that she rejects the conventional Valentines.
Significance of the onion
Duffy in effect lists reasons why the onion is an appropriate symbol of love.
First, the conventional romantic symbol of the moon is concealed in it.
The moon is supposed to govern women's passions. The brown skin is like a paper bag, and the shiny pale onion within is like the moon. The "light" which it promises may be its literal brightness and metaphorical understanding of love or enlightenment. The removal of papery outer layers suggests the 'undressing' of those making love. Or it could be a play on words as dressing is often found with onions in the kitchen.
The onion is like the lover because it makes one cry. The verb 'blind' may suggest the idea that love is blind. The onion reflected a distorted image of anyone who looks at it, as if the reflection were a 'wobbling' photo- an image that won't keep still, as an onion takes time to settle on a surface
The flavor of the onion is persistent, so this taste is like a kiss that lasts, introduces the idea of faithfulness which will match that of the lovers 'possessive and faithful...for as long as we are'
Tone: creates the mood of the poem which is at first genuine, confident and optimistic then becomes more negative, and at the end pulls away to sound a note of warning.
The phrases 'if you like' gives the lover a choice, thus the poem, like a traditional Valentine, contains a proposal of marriage.
Hint of a threat in the suggestion that the onion is lethal, as its scent clings 'to your knife'. The knife which cuts the onion is marked with its scent, as if ready to punish any betrayal.
The onion is a series of concentric rings, each smaller than the other until one finds one the size of a wedding ring: 'platinum' because of the color.
Form: Duffy writes colloquially (as if speaking) so single words or phrases work as sentences: 'Here...Take it...Lethal'. The end lines mark pauses, as most have punctuation marks. The stanza breaks mark longer pauses- so we see how the poem is meant to be read out loud.
Senses: The poem appeals to the senses especially sight (images of light, shape and color: a moon wrapped in brown paper), touch ('fierce kiss'), and smell ('scent' clinging to 'your fingers' and 'knife').
The poem uses conventional Valentines as a starting point then shows how the onion is much more true to the nature of love. The poem seems to be at first comical but it turns into a serious analysis of love.
'It is a moon wrapped in brown paper': it is a metaphor. The moon is a conventional symbol of love- suggests romance. The 'brown paper'- shows that there is no fancy wrapping to disguise the object- shows its truth and honesty.
'It promises light like the careful undressing of love'- positive aspect of love. Optimism at the beginning of a relationship- love has many layers. Deeper emotion may be felt as you peel away the layers. The simile suggests a physical relationship. The word choice of 'careful' suggests tenderness/affection/warmth and sensitivity. 'Promises' suggests assurance- a guarantee that the relationship will prosper.
'Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring'- comparison between the rings of an onion and a wedding ring. Platinum-precious metal-wedding rings made of commitment/steadfastness/devotion/faithfulness of the person offering the unconventional gift. Can also represent how relationships restrict you in some way: emotionally and physically.
'Faithful, as we are': suggests loyalty of the lovers. Shows the strength and power of the relationship
'It will blind you with tears like a lover': simile suggests love can cause distress. Word choice suggests pain and grief. The onion represents the relationship which can often cause you harm-
'It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief': shows pain and distress can be caused by relationships. The onion is like a mirror but the image is distorted
'Fierce kiss will stay on your lips': powerful love is very difficult to forget as it is violent. Taste of the onion is strong and difficult to erase- just like the memory of a passionate relationship. The tone is forceful/aggressive. Fierce has connotations of anger- domestic disharmony.
'Possessive and faithful': suggests an element of jealousy and control- tone becomes forceful.
'Lethal': connotations of danger- the speaker resorts to threat because they realize that their partner is unwilling to accept the gift.
'Its scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife': suggests that the speaker threatens violence in the final line
Structure
'I am trying to be truthful': central line, very direct statement. Personal notes, uses the word 'I'.
'Not a red rose or a satin heart'- first line, verb less- direct statement which dismisses conventional symbols of love. 'Not' starts the line- shows that the persona does not wish to show their feelings through overly sentimental conventional symbols.
'Here', 'Take it': comment on the use of commands. She places each command on a different line.
Rejection of classic love
Implies marriage kills romance, makes romance a punishment and shows the dark side of love
Criticizing conventional ideas and empty gestures of love