Post by Iain Chambers on Mar 23, 2011 19:41:25 GMT
Valentine
Theme
The message of the poem is to portray the truth of love.
symbolism
Carol Ann Duffy uses many symbols in which are usually abnormal for a love poem. Some examples are: "I give you an onion" this is unusual as onions are every-day items which are associated with crying, the poem carries on by saying, "it is a moon wrapped in brown paper" this is also unusual as although moons set a cliche love scene, they only appear at night, when it is dark. As well as an onion, Carol Ann Duffy uses a knife as yet another abnormal symbol, this is unusual as we expect love to be soft and gentle, unlike a knife, which is well associated with assault and murder.
Imagery
"Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips" this suggests that love stays with you, even when you do not want it. "It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief" this is unusual for a love poem for they usually consist of happiness however this is referring to sadness and sorrow brought on by love. "Its platinum loops shrink to wedding rings" this is yet another unusual metaphor as many would think that marriage is worth a lot however Carol Ann Duffy is suggesting that marriage has little meaning.
Rhythm
Duffy uses a non-rhythmic flow for her poem, this helps us believe what she is saying and think that it is the truth as opposed to if she altered the wording to make it have a rhythm or rhyme we would feel that it was a little bit artificial.
Tone
The poem has a serious tone. Which can be referred back to "this helps us believe what she is saying and think that it is the truth" in rhythm.