Unconventional Love in Carol Ann Duffy's "Valentine"

In her poem "Valentine," Carol Ann Duffy presents an unorthodox perspective on love by comparing it to an onion. This unconventional view challenges the typical portrayal of love associated with Valentine's Day gifts. Duffy employs extended metaphors and carefully chosen diction to depict love as a complex, enduring, and occasionally turbulent emotion. This essay delves into the poem's extended metaphor, explores the symbolism of the onion, and examines how Duffy's choice of words and structure contribute to her portrayal of love.

The Extended Metaphor of Love as an Onion

The poem opens with the line, "Not a red rose or a satin heart" (Duffy 1). Here, Duffy immediately rejects the clichéd symbols of love associated with Valentine's Day. Instead, she introduces the idea that love is akin to an onion. She describes it as "a moon wrapped in brown paper" (Duffy 3), drawing a parallel between the onion's layers and the moon's surface. The brown paper, often unattractive and overlooked, serves as a metaphor for the external appearance of love.

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In contrast, the moon, beautiful yet distant, symbolizes the inner depths of this emotion. This juxtaposition suggests that love should not be judged superficially.

Duffy continues the metaphor by stating that the onion "promises light" (Duffy 4). However, this promise is deceptive, as the moon itself does not generate light but merely reflects it from the sun. Similarly, love can hold empty promises, offering hope but not always delivering the expected happiness.

She further emphasizes the onion's qualities, remarking that it "will blind you with tears like a lover" (Duffy 7).

In this comparison, Duffy highlights the emotional intensity of love, which, like an onion, can bring tears. The resultant reflection appears "wobbling" (Duffy 10), a portrayal of the emotional instability and vulnerability that love can induce.

The poet also employs vivid imagery when she asserts that the onion's scent will "cling to your fingers, cling to your knife" (Duffy 22-23). This persistent aroma symbolizes the enduring nature of love, even after it has ended or faded. It lingers, a reminder of the passion that once existed.

One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the description of the onion's innermost layer as "platinum loops [that] shrink to a wedding ring" (Duffy 18). This image represents the essence of their bond, suggesting that their love is precious, enduring, and symbolic of a lasting commitment.

The Diction of Violence and Command

Carol Ann Duffy's choice of diction in "Valentine" underscores the theme of unconventional love. The poem begins with the word "not" (Duffy 1), immediately setting a negative tone, challenging conventional expectations.

She employs the commanding phrase "Here" (Duffy 6), emphasizing her desire to break away from the typical romantic gestures associated with Valentine's Day. Duffy continues by stating that love will "blind you with tears like a lover" (Duffy 7), using the word "blind" to convey the intensity of emotion. Love, as depicted here, can be emotionally overwhelming and even blinding.

The adjective "fierce" (Duffy 15) characterizes the lasting impact of her lover's kiss. It suggests that their love is passionate and unyielding, leaving an indelible mark on her. The word "possessive" (Duffy 16) further reinforces the idea that their love is strong and enduring, as it implies a desire to hold onto one another.

When Duffy implores, "Take it" (Duffy 19) in reference to giving her lover a wedding ring, she employs a commanding tone, signifying her determination to strengthen their bond. This insistence on taking the ring underscores the commitment and mutual desire to remain together.

The poet uses the term "lethal" (Duffy 21) to describe the lingering effects of her lover's kiss, emphasizing the potentially destructive nature of love. Finally, she ends the poem with the word "cling," emphasizing the tenacity of her feelings and the enduring connection she wishes to maintain through their shared love.

Structural Significance

It is worth noting that the poem is written in free verse, lacking a structured rhyme or meter. This choice reflects the instability and unpredictability of love. Love, as Duffy portrays it, does not conform to traditional expectations or patterns.

However, despite its lack of structure, the poem conveys a sense of devotion. The narrator's willingness to explore the unconventional aspects of love demonstrates her commitment to her partner. This commitment is mirrored in the enduring nature of their love, capable of weathering both the best and worst of times.

Conclusion

Carol Ann Duffy's "Valentine" challenges conventional notions of love, presenting it as a complex and enduring emotion. Through extended metaphors comparing love to an onion and carefully chosen diction, the poem explores the intensity, unpredictability, and persistence of love. The structure of the poem, with its lack of rhyme and meter, further reinforces the idea that love defies traditional boundaries and expectations. Ultimately, "Valentine" invites readers to reconsider their understanding of love, acknowledging its multifaceted nature and its ability to endure through all circumstances.