You: Plot

“You” is a poem by Carol Ann Duffy that explores human relationships through a second-person perspective. The speaker addresses an unnamed “you,” inviting the reader to occupy the role.
The poem centres around the speaker’s felt sense of loss, narrating the time they spent with the person they’re addressing.
The tone is nostalgic and reflective. The speaker reminisces about the shared experiences and tender moments with the addressee, evidence of their deep bond.
Shifts in time and place are frequent - “You” is not linear, but a collection of memories and feelings that occur at various points.
The speaker uses vivid sensory imagery to describe encounters, creating an intimate, emotive effect.

The speaker begins by imagining the addressee’s birth, marking the beginning of life, a recurring theme in the poem.
Moments of togetherness are expressed - making meals together, laughing in a car, describing how the addressee looked when asleep, all portraying shared everyday routines.
Sensual experiences are depicted, such as tasting food or the touch of another’s skin, reflecting the physical connection between them.
The final part of the poem incorporates a sense of loss - the speaker is no longer with the addressee and feels their absence keenly, presenting a feeling of longing.

“You” is viewed as a love poem. It discusses the intimate experiences shared between two people, capturing the essence of their relationship - its beauty, intensity, and the pain of its loss.
As the poem lacks specific details about the addressee, “You” can be anyone the reader wants them to be, allowing a degree of universality.
The constant shifting between past, present, and future could reflect the idea that love is timeless, emphasising the enduring impact of love and loss.