Valentine By Carol Ann Duffy

1: How is the story told within the poem you are studying? E.g. from whose perspective, 1^st/2^nd/3^rd person is there a beginning, middle and end?

The poem is written in the 1^st person which can make it more personal as it is similar to the way you would write a diary entry of your own. There is no, beginning, middle or end which could denote the idea of love being eternal, which is also linked to the idea and representation of a wedding ring (circular, never ending, no end) ‘it’s platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring.’

2: What themes are explored within the poem?

Romance, tragedy, love.  Love is obviously the main theme involved in the poem as it’s the primary foundation. The poem ends tragically as the use of a knife is mentioned.

3: What poetry and poetic devices are used for what effect?

Personification: The onion is the centre of the poem and is used to represent an act or emotion e.g. It’s fierce kiss will stay on your lips.

Imagery: The onion is continuously presenting us with imagery.

Alliteration: This technique makes the poem more beautiful in dialogue.
Metaphor: It is a moon wrapped in brown paper. The metaphor makes the poem appear more dramatic as an inanimate object such as an onion can have a great impact.