Valentine

Wendy Cope

18 pages 36-minute read

Wendy Cope

Valentine

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1992

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The poetic voice of "Valentine" presents themself as a seemingly awkward, self-doubting suitor making an unrequited love confession. Beneath this meek exterior lies a calculating intellect in complete control of language and poetic form. They act as an eiron, projecting weakness while strategically closing in on their target with relentless, patient determination.

Key Relationships

Unwanted Suitor of The Beloved

Vessel Directed by The Heart

The unnamed recipient of the speaker's love confession represents the object of an intense, unrequited passion. They likely have other plans and obligations lined up, existing entirely independent of the speaker's desires. The poem positions them as someone who must eventually surrender to the speaker's relentless pursuit, whether they are willing or not.

Key Relationships

Target of Affection from The Speaker

Object of Desire for The Heart

Supporting Characters

The speaker's heart functions as an anthropomorphized entity operating independently of the speaker's rational thought. It serves as a visual and emotional vessel that drives the action of the poem, prioritizing raw passion over logic, planning, or the beloved's consent.

Key Relationships

Emotional Driver of The Speaker

Fixated On The Beloved