2436153
Description
Flashcards by hayley stewart, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by hayley stewart
about 9 years ago
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| Question | Answer |
| "Not a red rose or a satin heart" | Carol Ann Duffy's use of a negative at the opening of the poem immediately dismisses the symbols of love. With the use of a critical tone Duffy highlights that Valentine's day is a very stereotypical holiday that lacks any meaning. We recognize that Duffy's direct tone makes this section of the poem a very forceful statement. |
| "It is a moon wrapped in brown paper." | Duffy's use of a very effective metaphor creates the idea that just as the moon creates light in the darkness so does the onion to express someone's feelings and optimism at the beginning of a new relationship. The writers use of connotations such as moonlight and romance is very effective and Duffy also creates the image of a gift when she refers to the skin of the onion as brown paper. |
| "Like the careful undressing of love." | This metaphor refers to the initial stages of love being delicate and precious. Love takes time to develop as we peel back the layers of a persons personality just as we peel back an onion which refers to the literal understanding of two people. |
| "Here." | This one word sentence, although short and simple, gives the act of giving a much more dramatic weight. The abruptness of this one word sentence emphasizes the straight forwarding manner of giving a meaningful gift without the ceremony or frills. This one word sentence is direct and blunt which suggests that the speakers lover is unconvinced |
| "It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief" | Duffy's use of imagery describes the way in which a persons appearance and vision blurs when looking in the mirror after crying, just as an onion would when cut into. It is a reference to the speakers reflection being blurred due to feelings of "grief" which emphasizes the speakers strong emotions. |
| "I am trying to be truthful" | Duffy is trying to give a true representation of Valentines day, using a tone of honesty, and is trying to ensure that the speakers lover realizes that by being truthful their relationship will be honest and upfront. However, we are also given the impression that with being honest also comes a feeling of isolation as we see that honesty is an important issue for the poet. |
| "Not a cute card or a kissagram" | The use of a direct tone in this one line sentence highlights once again that such gifts are meaningless and that honesty is immediately contrasted with these symbols of Valentines day. |
| "It's fierce kiss will stay on your lips" | This metaphor compares the effect of a kiss to the stinging effect of an onion on a persons lips emphasizing that a kiss can be destructive, harmful and physically painful as "stay on your lips" indicates the lasting impact of a lovers kiss and the permanence of the emotional effect it can have. |
| " possessive and faithful as we are" | Duffy resists the urge to use the clichéd word "forever" her cynicism is very evident in this part of the poem. The use of the work "possessive" and "faithful" shows that the speakers intense feelings have strengthened which indicates the speakers desire for loyalty and longevity. |
| "It's scent will cling to your fingers" | This metaphor portrays that she thinks we will be effected by love whether it works or not, in the way that we are effected by the onions smell and taste when we cut an onion and the long lasting effect it has. |
| "It will blind you with tears like a lover" | Duffy's use of a simile creates an image that tells the reader that just as an onion can make you cry so can the effects of love. |
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