Valentine, by Ann Duffy and First Love by John Clare :: English Literature

Valentine is by Ann Duffy. The first thing that caught my attentionwas the prenomen Valentine. Usually when you would hear that vocalise yourhead would be thinking hearts, sock, romance, and choclates etc stillnot in this case. In this poem it describes love as an onion plant and thisis the constant imagery. The poets aim was to use the onion as a attrisolelye of love rather than the e veryday, typical gifts.I think the poem tycoon have been written by a male but fitting by a womanish poet. My reason for saying this is mainly because when you submitthe poem it sounds as though its a male word because it talks aboutgiving gifts which is commonly from the man. Never the less it has more deep and emotional line upings in it which sacrifices it sound like afemale words. However we go out never know for sure.The language that the poet uses whether its a male or a female isvery powerful and affectionate because even if turn int enjoy the poem youwould still mobilise parts of it because its so blunt and straight tothe point .The poem overly uses at some point simile and metaphors whichalso makes it very affective. In this poem it also constantly compareslove to an onion. It uses the same words that hind end describe love aswell as an onion , doesnt really use sweet and fragile words orphrases that you would normally expect in a love poem but in myopinion having a bit of a change is always a good thing.Blind you with tearsThe word blind and tears press out the nature of love and how love can hurtwhich leaves you heartbroken and in rivers of tears. However incooking wise the onion would blind you and make you cry when you cutit, so the poet bought these two things together and joined them up tomake his or her point more interesting for the reader.The language makes me feel very moved at some points because its veryemotional and descriptive .My favourite verse was the last one becauseit uses strong words but with passion and a deep full meaning.LethalIts scent will cling to your fingers,Cling to your knifeLethal means dangerous and I think this would describe love bestbecause in reality love is romantic however if you dont play it rightand dont abide by the rules then it could turn into a very nastygame. This is why love shouldnt be messed about in the first place asit not a game in real life it could mess a persons life forever.