The two poems I will be comparing are both by Carol Ann Duffy - 'Valentine' and 'Stealing'. In Valentine what Duffy is trying to explain is that the symbolism of roses and hearts is often overlooked, while cards and kissograms may be expensive but mean little. As a poet, Duffy is able to think of something more distinctive.. an onion. The poem stealing is based on a true event and the speaker in it is very obviously not the poet. There are many ways within the poem that Carol Ann Duffy is able to engage the reader.

In the poem 'Valentine', just by reading the title, the reader will immediately assume that the poem is to do with romance and love. On the surface the poem is about the giving of an unusual present for Valentine's Day but is really an exploration of love and the relationships between...