How does Carol Ann Duffy reveal her thoughts and feelings through metaphor? Refer to at least two poems in your answer.

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How does Carol Ann Duffy reveal her thoughts and feelings through metaphor? Refer to at least two poems in your answer.

Carol Ann Duffy's most interesting use of metaphor is probably in "Valentine" and "In Mrs Tilsher's Class". "Valentine" seems almost to be about metaphors whereas "In Mrs Tilsher's Class" uses metaphors in a particularly sensitive and appropriate way.

"Valentine" challenges the conventional symbols of love such as roses, satin hearts, cards and kissograms. Instead, it offers an onion as a metaphor for a romantic relationship. The bulk of the poem consists of an exploration of the idea that an onion is a suitable romantic symbol.

The appearance of the onion, with its pearly flesh inside a brown skin, reminds her of "a moon wrapped in brown paper". The moon is a traditional romantic symbol, presumably because lovers often met at night, but Duffy's image suggests that her love is not immediately attractive yet contains the promise of more traditional romantic delights "like the careful undressing of love".

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The ability of onions to produce tears allows Duffy to explore the more painful side of a loving relationship. The onion will cause tears and "make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief". The idea of a deserted lover looking at his or her reflection in the mirror creates a vivid image of the end of an affair. The smell and taste of the onion becomes a "fierce kiss" that will stay on the lover's lips and the silvery white rings of the onion remind Duffy of a platinum wedding ring. Finally, the capacity of onion smells to linger makes ...

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