5B Higher- 'Valentine' questions for next Thursday (11th) NOW WITH ANSWERS

1. Many of the main ideas or concerns of the poem come across clearly in the first and second stanzas.

(a) By referring closely to lines 1-5, evaluate their effectiveness as an opening to the poem.    2 

2. Discuss how the writer effectively creates the persona through her use of word choice, structure and/or tone.    4 

3. Analyse how the writer’s use of imagery and/or symbolism is effective in conveying the persona’s opinions on love.    4

Question	Expected response	Max mark	Additional guidance
1.By referring closely to lines 1-5, evaluate their effectiveness as an opening to the poem.	Candidates should discuss how the poet uses poetic technique to introduce theme in the opening. 1 mark should be awarded for one main theme introduced in the opening. 2 marks should be awarded for comment on language/literary techniques. 2 marks may be awarded for one detailed, insightful comment on one example; OR 2 marks may be awarded for two more basic comments on two examples (1+1). 0 marks for reference/quotation alone.	2	Possible answers include: ·Starting with ‘not’/inversion/WC is startling and introduces the rejection of typical ideas of love discussed later on. ·Contrast of onion with typical valentine gifts introduces overall argument of onion being a more honest symbol-explain imagery/symolism ·Optimistic imagery at start of the poem – ‘promises light’, ‘it is a moon’ introduces positive nature of love seen later ·The idea of the special hidden in an ordinary place ‘wrapped in brown paper’ introduces duality of love ·Cautious approach to love hinted at - ‘careful undressing of love’ ·Sets up overall argument- rejection of typical gifts through repetition/inversion/negative word-choice which we see repeated later on ·Introduces extended metaphor of onion and explains why it is a more relevant symbol for love- ‘it is a moon’ which will continue throughout.

2. Discuss how the writer effectively creates this persona through her use of word choice, structure and/or tone.

Candidates should analyse how the poet’s use of techniques helps to create the persona portrayed in the poem. 4 marks may be awarded for 2 detailed/insightful comments plus reference (2+2) 4 marks may also be made up with 4 x 1 mark for more basic comments plus reference or 2+1+1 marks. 0 marks for reference/quotation alone.

4

Possible answers include: ·Blunt – to the point ·Different – innovative/unusual/thoughtful ·Offers something amazing to a partner but hidden under a very ordinary façade ·Can be gentle ·Forceful ·Pessimistic (realistic) about love/ has had bad experiences before/ low expectations of love/doesn’t think it’ll last forever ·Doesn’t want to seem negative/ truth is important to them/making an effort ·(Potentially) aggressive ·(Possibly) possessive ·Thinks marriage is unimportant/ restrictive Backed up with reference+ analysis. ·Not a red rose or a satin heart/ Not a cute card or a kissogram ·a moon wrapped in brown paper./It promises light ·the careful undressing of love. ·Here/ Take it. ·It will blind you with tears/like a lover. It will make your reflection/a wobbling photo of grief. ·I am trying to be truthful. ·fierce kiss/ Lethal. ·will stay on your lips/possessive and faithful ·for as long as we are. ·Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring/ if you like. ·Its scent will cling to your fingers/cling to your knife.

3.

3. Analyse how the writer’s use of imagery and/or symbolism is effective in conveying the persona’s opinions on love.

Candidates should explain fully what Duffy means by the image/symbol. A detailed/insightful comment may be awarded 2 marks. Marks can be made from a combination of 1+1+1+1 for less detailed comments or from 2+1+1. Reference alone = 0 marks.

4

Possible answers: ·Overall extended metaphor of an onion shows duality of love- that it is an enlightening, passionate and powerful emotion that can cause intense pain and loss of self. ·It is a moon wrapped in brown paper. It promises light The onion as a symbol of love is compared to a moon due to its shape in colour with the brown paper representing the onion’s skin. Just as the moon is a romantic symbol of love, which brings light during the night and is said to govern emotions and behaviours, so love can bring clarity and illumination to life, it can be romantic and it can control your emotions and actions. As Diana, goddess of moon, is also goddess of war, there is a slight hint at the violence that love can bring as well. (2) Other images could include: ·like the careful undressing of love. It will blind you with tears/like a lover. a wobbling photo of grief.. Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, ·Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring, ·Its scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife.