IGCSE English Literature: Poetry

As Year 10 are learning this Block, poetry can be explored in many ways with various interpretations, which has led to some excellent seminar-style discussions in class, with intellectual debates over the different metaphors and symbolism used in the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy. This week in English, some of our visual learners took an artistic approach to discuss the symbolism behind the onion in 'Valentine'.

Students had a choice of activities, from creating visual imagery of the poem, essay writing, as well as writing creative extracts about being given an onion and their reaction to it.

Here is an excellent piece of creative writing by Jasmina, describing what she would do if someone gave her an onion, followed by some artistic impressions of the poem.

Upon reflection as a reader, ask yourself: what would you do if someone gave you an onion?

“Today, on what I thought was going to be a fine day, filled with romance, joy and laughter, turned out to be quite a pathetic evening. It was a tremendously romantic evening, filled with wine, dinner, most importantly my ravishing satin dress. I handed him his present, as he handed mine. Wrapped in brown paper, not the most appealing. No cute card nor kissogram?

My husband, you see, promised to at least get me chocolates and a bunch of roses as I requested a few days prior, instead… he shows up with...an onion.

I still cannot fathom what was going on inside that tiny little brain of his, or whether he thought of this as some joke, however clearly, I am not the most thrilled about my present. I spent time on him, you see. I went to the nearby boutique and picked up a silk red tie, as I knew he was eyeing it for months now, as I was eying a dress too, gracefully displayed behind the glass of the shop. I could have sworn I was obvious of my desire for it; however, I can imagine with a mind like his, he never picked up on it. I do not know what I wish to do with said onion. Should I fry it for dinner? should I leave it out as a ‘delightful’ display. I do not know. Is there possibly something he is trying to tell me?

Hmmm what do onions do? Let me think. They taste nice in a stew, they are particularly plain looking, they do not have the most inviting smell. The scent alone clings to your fingers, clings to your knife. Ahh they make you cry. Why would my husband wish to make me cry? I already do so enough just think of our ruinous marriage, however possessive and faithful we remain and shall be so forever. He promised me his heart, said he would give it to me for valentines. If he displays his heart as an onion, excuse me whilst I proceed to cut it.”

Diary Entry by Jasmina, Year 10