Carol Ann Duffy Poem Analysis

I have chosen the task of interviewing Carol Ann Duffy, a prominent Scottish poet in order to familiarize and empathise with her struggle for creating her own identity as a poet in the creative field. The interview is designed to give a general impression of Duffy’s endeavors and how she has scripted ‘Valentine’, in my opinion a rather quirky take on the modern day sappy, romantic love poems.

An interview will provide the readers with an insight into her personal beliefs and opinions, which in turn will make them connect to her voice. It will also demonstrate her emotions and feelings regarding love and affection and how she imagines the conceptualization of it.

The interview will be structured in a formal manner for it to be highly informative

Many people regard it as being one of the most controversial poems. They have their reasons, and I respect their opinions. However, essentially it is an extended metaphor in which love and relationships are compared throughout to an onion. Yes, it may seem strange, but at least it is unlike typical Valentine’s Day poems. This one reflects a more realistic outlook of love and their relationships. For example the structure of the poem consists of eight irregular stanzas and it has no regular rhythm or rhyme pattern, this was done deliberately to make it sound natural to a greater

The title; ‘Valentine’ sets up expectations in the reader about the type of poem they are about to encounter. The poem begins rather romantically but the tone gradually becomes more sinister as the imagery begins to suggest violence and pain. Although, the main theme is love and relationships, but this poem is written without the use of the traditional, clichéd displays of love and candidly attempts to offer a truthful and honest account of their feelings. If you notice, the first line itself; “Not a red rose or a satin heart”, instantly diminishes the clichés of Valentine’s Day and destroys the expectations set up by the title as it ia an usual way to start a so-called romantic poem.

Katie: There is a lot of imagery based on an onion. How did you go about this idea?

Carol Ann Duffy: It is rather unusual, isn’t it? The impact it creates is shock, as it builds curiosity within the readers. The line; ‘It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.’ – (line 3) is a metaphor. A suggestion of romance. The idea of giving the moon is a deeply romantic gesture. However, “It will blind you with tears / like a lover” – (lines 7-8), these lines resemble a simile which contradicts the happy sensations of love. It fabricates a recognition that love is not always happy, that there are times when it can cause you pain and make you cry, just as an onion makes your eyes water.

Katie: There is also a slightly underlying sinister feel toward