What is the message of Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy?

‘Valentine’ by Carol Ann Duffy contains several important themes. In the poem, there are the themes of love, convention, individualism, and vanity of materialism. As the title of the poem says, it is a pure love poem but unique for the poet’s unique expression. The poet metaphorically compares her love to an onion.

How does Carol Ann Duffy use imagery in Valentine?

The loops (in an onion) shrink to a wedding ring – implying that marriage is a shortening or lessening of love. This quote introduces the smell of the onion and the knife. This is violent imagery which implies that the relationship has taken a turn. This is an unexpected end to the poem.

How does the poem Valentine show love?

Similarly, in “Valentine”, Duffy suggests that true love is perpetual, through the use of “an onion” as a symbol of love. She uses “an onion” to show her lover that her love is more original, honest and true. She says, “Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,” The “fierce kiss” could be a metaphor for love.

How does Duffy explore ideas about love in Valentine?

The speaker presents their lover with a valentine in the form of an onion, then explains the reasoning behind this unusual gift. In doing so, the speaker critiques traditional, idealized images of love and argues for more complete and honest portrayals of its effects.

What type of poem is Valentine?

The poem is written in free verse using irregular stanzas to support its content and purpose, which is to reject traditional restrictive conventions such as marriage and other notions of love and to warn lovers that being overly possessive can have undesirable consequences.

How does an onion represent love?

The speaker is asserting then that the onion symbolises a positive aspect of love since it represents refreshing honesty and optimism, often experienced at the beginning of a relationship. The line It promises light also indicates that this will be an enriching and fulfilling relationship for both parties.

What is the story of valentine?

Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the third century. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

Is valentine male or female?

Unisex
Valentine (name)

Pronunciation /væləntaɪn/
Gender Unisex
Origin
Word/name Latin Valentinus
Meaning “strong, healthy, brave, rule“

Why is Duffy a feminist?

She is known for her feminist writing intended to give voice to the marginalized women who were silent in history. Duffy’s feminist poetic discourse has long received considerable critical attention from many scholars and researchers.

What kind of poetry does Carol Ann Duffy write?

Carol Ann Duffy is an award-winning Scottish poet who, according to Danette DiMarco in Mosaic, is the poet of “post-post war England: Thatcher’s England.” Duffy is best known for writing love poems that often take the form of monologues.