Hour: Themes & Linking Poems

Themes in “Hour”

“Hour” is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy that discusses transitory moments in a romantic relationship. The poem describes an hour spent together as an invaluable time due to the depth of love the couple feels.
The key theme of the poem is the contrast between time and love. Duffy emphasises that though time is fleeting and measured in wealth, love’s wealth is timeless and immeasurable.
The poem shares an underlying theme of materialism vs emotional richness. Duffy’s views on wealth don’t centre on material possessions, but on the precious moments spent with a loved one.
A minor theme is the power of love to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary. This is evident in the speaker’s description of mundane objects receiving a magical aura in presence of the beloved one.

Connections to other Poems

“Hour” and “Quickdraw” both explore the theme of time in relation to love. While “Hour” emphasises the value of fleeting moments, “Quickdraw” focuses on the tense, prolonged moments during an emotional standoff.
A parallel can be drawn with “Anne Hathaway” as both poems delve into intense romantic love. Yet, “Hour” focuses on ordinary people’s love, making it more relatable.
“Hour” and “Before You Were Mine” share a key theme of time and its influence on relationships. “Hour” takes a more positive approach, focusing on treasured moments, while “Before You Were Mine” explores the nostalgic memories of an individual’s mother before she was born.
Duffy’s poem “Valentine” likewise contrasts traditional, materialistic views of love (symbolised by the typical Valentine’s Day gift) with a more complex, honest representation of love, a theme that surfaces in “Hour” as well.

Remember, understanding the themes and making connections between different works is an effective strategy for deepening your comprehension of Duffy’s oeuvre.