1. What symbols do you associate with Valentine’s Day? 2. Do you think Valentine’s Day is an important occasion?
Understand
1. What gift does the speaker give to her Valentine? 2. What does the poet say this gift will do to the receiver? 3. What does the speaker say she is trying to be? 4. What does the poet say that she could have given to her lover instead? 5. What will the scent of this gift cling to?
6. This poem appeals to some of the senses. Identify one descriptive detail relating to each of the following senses: smell
sight Explore 3
1. What kind of relationship do you think the speaker has with the person they are addressing? Give reasons for your answer.
2. The onion is described as having a ‘fierce kiss’. (a) What poetic device is used here? (b) What do you think this means?
3. This poem can be described as an extended metaphor. What is the metaphor in this poem?
4. Compare this poem to ‘Scaffolding’ on page 257. Which metaphor do you think is stronger at conveying love?
5. How would you feel if someone sent you this poem on Valentine’s Day?
6. Think of a relationship that is important in your life. Write down as many words as you can to describe the relationship (e.g. reliable, strong, complicated, caring). What object could you use to describe the way you feel about this person?
7. Write a personal response to this poem. Take into account the effect that the poetic devices have on the poem, the impact that the sentiment in the poem has on you and what you like or dislike about the poem.
Create
Over one billion cards are exchanged on St Valentine’s Day, making it the most popular card-exchanging holiday after Christmas. Organise a class debate on the following motion: This house believes that Valentine’s Day has become too commercial.
261 touch.
A symbol is something that represents another thing.
