In order to answer an essay question on any poem it is vital that you understand what it is about. This section includes:
- The poem in a nutshell
- A “translation” of the poem, section-by-section
- A commentary of each of these sections, outlining Carol Ann Duffy’s intention and message
'Valentine' in a nutshell
'Valentine', written by former Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, subverts traditional ideas of romantic relationships with simple imagery that presents a more realistic portrayal of love.
'Valentine' breakdown
Lines 1–2
“Not a red rose or a satin heart.
I give you an onion.”
Translation
- The poem begins with two images that contrast each other
- Instead of offering a traditionally romantic “red rose” or “satin heart”, they offer an “onion”
Duffy’s intention
- Duffy immediately begins the poem with incongruous images
- Traditional symbols and ideas of love are undermined with the reference to a vegetable
Lines 3–5
“It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
like the careful undressing of love.”
Translation
- These lines explain the gift of an onion:
- The onion’s shape and colour is compared to a moon, its skin to “brown paper”
- The poet alludes to bright and hopeful love (symbolised by the onion) with metaphorical imagery (“it promises light”)
- A simile compares the peeling of an onion’s layers to lovers “undressing”
Duffy’s intention
- Duffy’s explanation for the bizarre gift is presented with natural imagery:
- She refers to the moon and “light”, which are typically romantic images
- She likens a peeling onion to lovers slowly undressing, alluding to physical desire
Lines 6–10
“Here.
It will blind you with tears
like a lover.
It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.”
Translation
- The speaker’s tone is abrupt: “Here.”:
- This line implies the speaker is giving their lover the onion
- They go on to describe the onion’s ability to make you cry when you peel it:
- The speaker says this is like love as it can make you sad and shaken
Duffy’s intention
- Duffy’s pragmatic speaker uses a short, one-word line to shift the mood
- Dark imagery highlights how love can disrupt peace and bring “grief”
Line 11–12
“I am trying to be truthful.
Not a cute card or a kissogram.”
Translation
- The poet draws attention to the reason for the strange gift with two isolated lines that emphasise the speaker’s desire for honesty
- The speaker wants to reassure the listener that they are not offering platitudes through a “cute card” or a “kissogram” (a message delivered and accompanied by a kiss)
Duffy’s intention
- Duffy’s poem uses colloquial references and simple language to amplify the speaker’s honest message about love
- The poet contrasts the speaker’s “truthful” words with alliteration that implies disdain
- This undermines traditional messages of love, presenting them as fake or shallow
Lines 13–17
“I give you an onion.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
possessive and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.”
Translation
- These lines reinforces the speaker’s intentions:
- They say that the onion is a symbol of love because it has a strong taste that is as strong as their commitment to each other
- The speaker implies that the onion’s strength will last as long as they are “faithful”
Duffy’s intention
- Duffy draws attention to the intensity of the romantic relationship
- Words such as “fierce” and “possessive” are highlighted in a single short line
- The poem begins to sound like an ultimatum as the speaker says the onion and their love will be strong as long as they are loyal to each other
Lines 18–23
“Take it.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring,
if you like.
Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife.”
Translation
- The speaker gives another instruction: the listener must accept the onion gift
- The speaker describes the onion’s silver layers as “platinum loops”
- They link this to a wedding ring, and then offer a hesitant “if you like.”
- As the poem ends, the speaker alludes to danger with an isolated word “Lethal.”
- They say that the “scent” (smell) when cutting an onion stays on the fingers and the knife
Duffy’s intention
- Duffy’s poem ends ambiguously, alluding to the pain and risk involved in relationships
- It is implied that cutting an onion is much like the pain of a broken relationship
- The “scent” stays with you