Valentine: A poem by Carol Ann Duffy
Brief analysis and application:
First of all, no- you didn’t just read a poem about onions– they are just a metaphor.
In this poem, Carol Ann Duffy challenges the stereotypical ways of showing affection and encourages people to see relationships in a more serious, unbiased way, without the romantic filter that the media often heavily applies. She exposes that in order to connect with someone there has to be a ground where the two parties are open about their vulnerability in order for trust to grow. This explains the mention of onions; one must peel away their outer layers of false cheer and let their guard down in order to truly enjoy their real self. This is expressed in “a moon wrapped in brown paper”- the poet is emphasizing that the most precious parts of a person lie within, where they may be their weakest or most vulnerable- because that is who we truly are. The onion’s “brown paper” is of little worth and must be shed in the same way that we, as humans, must let go of our excessive care of things that won’t matter in the long run (this includes appearance, alter-egos, status, etc).
Moreover, she highlights that there are moments in life where we and our loved ones will severely hurt each other, hence “grief” which comes right before the speaker is “trying to be truthful”. This shows that honesty is vital despite the sometimes negative side effects and that love is about persevering together and overcoming hardships even if they are caused by one another, rather than just about spending ‘happy times’ together. The reason this hurt is so deep is that our inner selves have been exposed and disagreements may feel like they are rejecting our whole person rather than just an idea or action.
I wanted to share this poem because the ideas explored do not just apply to romantic relationships, but everyday life. Our friends, families, and peers are all people that we are constantly around, therefore there is no need for a facade to try to hide in fear of their disapproval or rejection. There is no shame in being a genuine person. It also raises awareness that we should be careful how we treat those close to us, especially once we’ve connected- as, while pain is inevitable, it can be reduced or ‘mildened’.
Being around people shouldn’t be about killing time during break or a habit- it should be about how much we can learn from each other and how we can improve each other’s lives the best that we can, because while words and actions are temporary, their effects are permanent- they “cling to your fingers, cling to your knife”. It is a choice whether we leave a “lethal” essence in someone’s life or whether we “promise light”. I imagine there will be a collective sense of fulfillment and appreciation for one another in friend groups, and that over time, this will cause a significant change in how we see people, even strangers. If everyone had become a better neighbour, friend, sibling, and child earlier on, the world would not be the way it is today. There is a responsibility on each our shoulders to exert ourselves, pouring parts of us into everything we do. Life is about serving.
For a more thorough analysis of the poem itself, see https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zwpnn39/revision
https://poemanalysis.com/valentine-carol-ann-duffy-poem-analysis/
