Carol Ann Duffy: Mean Time

Valentine
Language
The poet uses an extended metaphor which describes something (her relationship) as if it is the thing it
resembles (an onion). Use the table below to explore the metaphor.

Stages of Metaphor Reference What the poet is saying

An onion is light underneath a Lines 2-5 As a relationship unfolds, different aspects of a
darker outer skin. person are revealed.

Onions make a person’s eyes water

Raw onions leave a strong taste on

the lips

Onions are made up of rings

The smell of an onion lingers on the

skin

Onions are chopped up

Structure
The poem is structured into stanzas and lines of different length.
§ Is there a connection between the three single lines (lines 1, 11,12)?
§ Why do you think the poet chose to put ‘Here.’ ‘Take it.’ And ‘Lethal.’ on lines of their own?
§ What impact does the final line have?

Themes and Ideas

1. What view of love is developed in the poem? Consider:
§ the different aspects of love revealed in the poem
§ how the metaphor of the onion helps the poet develop her ideas

2. What do you think Duffy feels about commercial Valentine greetings?

3. Note down some of the images in the poem which carry the idea that love is not always easy and
straightforward.

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