1. Valentine
By Hollie and Kara

2. Key Themes Tones Cynical Optimistic Realistic Pessimistic
Relationships
Passage of time/ change/ transition
Entrapment/ Restriction
Fear
Personal Experience
Rejection of stereotypes
Love
Loss
Nostalgia

3. Context
St Valentine was a Roman priest in the 3rd century who has been regarded as the patron saint of love since the 11th century and is now commemorated on the 14th of February when partners exchange cards and traditional gifts. However, Duffy suggests that the gift of an onion is more meaningful and representative of love than stereotypical gifts. Duffy believes that this unusual gift helps to highlight the negative as well as positive effects of a deep and loving relationship.

4. Summary
This poem uses irregular stanzas to support its subject matter which is to reject traditional conventions such as marriage and restriction of love. The combination of short and long sentences adds to the unease within the poem. Valentine is a universal poem – there is no indication of who the poem is about as she persistently uses “I” and “You” throughout the poem. The poem is an extended metaphor which compares her love and her relationship to an onion. As the poem progresses it transitions from having a light- hearted tone to a sinister tone.
Onion reflects the true nature of love- unveiling layers

5. Rejection of Stereotypes
“Not a red rose or a satin heart” “Not a cute card or a kissogram” “I give you an onion”

6. Love
“It promises light” “like the careful undressing of love.”

7. Realistic
“It will blind you with tears/ like a lover.” “It will make your reflection/ a wobbling photo of grief.”

8. Transition/Change
“I am trying to be truthful” “as we are,/ for as long as we are”

9. Restriction/ Fear
“Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring” “if you like.”

10. Cynical
“Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,” “Lethal.” “Its scent will cling to your fingers,/ cling to your knife”

11. Imperative command
“Here.” “Take it.”

12. “possessive and faithful”
Comparison
“possessive and faithful”
Negative Connotations
Jealousy
Distrust
Control
- Insecurity
Positive Connotations
Connectedness
Unity
Trust.

13. Symbolism
“It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.”