Valentine: Stanza Three

Overview of “Valentine: Stanza Three”

• Stanza Three sees the persona offering an onion as a moon wrapped in brown paper. The sentiment evolves from the enduring symbol of love, the moon, to a commonplace, the brown paper.

• A continuation of the metaphor is noted where the speaker equates the onion to a mirror in which the recipient could see themselves.

• The essence of the stanza lies in the beguiling simplicity of the metaphor that strikes an effective balance between the universal and the personal.

Analysis of Language and Imagery in “Valentine: Stanza Three”

• The initial simile “It promises light like the careful undressing of love” compares the act of peeling an onion to the vulnerability and exposure in love, carrying connotations of intimacy and fragility.

• Further exploration of the metaphor of the onion presents it as a mirror, refocusing the perspective towards introspection and self-realisation often brought about by love.

• The personification - “It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief” captures the potential pain and distress love can cause, casting a sobering reflection on the vibrant expectations of romance.

• The alliteration found in “a wobbling photo of grief” creates a haunting image that lingers in the readers’ minds, reinforcing the theme of pain and heartbreak in love.

This stanza punctuates the profound simplicity of Duffy’s metaphor, peeling back layers of romantic ideals to expose the harsh realities of love. The stanza also underscores the theme that nothing, not even love, is solely beautiful or pleasurable – it also comes with its share of pain and sorrow.