Compare the use of imagery in “Valentine” by Carol Ann Duffy to “I am very bothered” by Simon Armitage
Valentine and I am very bothered are both on the subject of love. Both use a lot of effective imagery to focus attention on the main topic.
‘in the naked lilac flame’ is a description used by Simon Armitage which both effectively describes the flame of the Bunsen burner and leads onto deeper meanings within the poem. The use of the word ‘naked’ gives a sense of the exposure and the vulnerability felt by the poet as he describes his emotions and his feelings towards the girl in the poem. He observes the flame as being lilac; this is a symbolist reference to her, as lilac is considered a beautiful colour. The flame is described as being a lilac colour; lilac flames are intense, high temperature, clean flames, thus a reflection of the poets feeling towards the girl. This gives an impression that the poet is trying to excuse himself and his actions by describing the innocent and pure flame of the Bunsen burner, which he used to wound her.