(Anne Hathaway) The bed
In the poem "Anne Hathaway" (about Shakespeare's wife) it is revealed that he left her a bed, his second favourite bed. It can be suggested that due to it being his second favourite Shakespeare didn't love her enough to give her his favourite. However, it is also revealed that his favourite/best bed was only used by guests, therefore it is not insulting towards his wife after all. The bed itself is an ambiguous metaphor due to the way Anne depicts it in the poem as a "spinning world" or like a "page" Shakespeare had written for her.
(Havisham) Eyes and veins
Miss Havisham imagines that her eyes have turned into green pebbles: green is synonymous with envy and jealousy, whereas pebbles have lifeless connotations. It is also said that her veins have turned into "ropes for strangling" this could indicate suicidal thoughts or murderous thoughts.
Treatment of women
Carol Ann Duffy always centres her poems around a woman, or the treatment towards them. For example, in "Medusa," Duffy illustrates a woman heartbroken by a man and what that causes her to do; turning things to stone. Duffy brings women to the centre of attention giving them an interesting story and allowing the characters to show the reader their side
Betrayal
Often in Duffy's poetry, the woman has been betrayed by the man. In "Medusa" - "and your girls your girls" indicating that her lover had been unfaithful with many people. Not only does Duffy show the betrayal, but she also shows what happens because of it..."Wasn’t I beautiful. Wasn’t I fragrant and young? Look at me now." This suggests that Medusa has went under complete physical and mental change because of her lover's betrayal.
(Valentine) Danger
Danger is often hinted at in the poem "Valentine"; the final word in the poem is "knife," suggesting some sort of violence. Not only that but it is said that the onions will "blind" you this is also a metaphor to how a lover will hurt you. Even the affectionate acts are presented in a negative light, for example a kiss is described as a "fierce kiss".
