Valediction - Poems - John Donne
Poems, since time immemorial have a significant impact on the evolution of English literature. A famous poet is John Donne. He wrote a metaphysical poem, "A valediction forbidding mourning", in the early seventeenth century. Speculations are that he composed it for Anne More, his wife, before going on a tour to Germany and France.
This poem is also unique in that Donne's other works were naturally more carnal. Hence, this paper tries to give an analytical review of this poem. Bahji (1) states that the metaphysical conceit in this poem offers an unconventional and unique technique that Donne uses to amplify the value of his ideas and thoughts. Donne also utilizes this technique to add an artistic value to his work of literature. As a result, the poem is one of the most influential literary pieces that reflect Donne's poetic talent and intelligent use of conceit. At the beginning, Donne writes about virtual men who pass away without mourning (Donne, 1). In other words, Donne writes a metaphor to his wife telling her that if he dies, she should not cry or lament. He argues that this would disrespect the love that they have for one another. More's tears, to Donne, represent the ground. Hence, if she cries and her tears fall to the ground, the world will also fall.
[...] This gives strong arguments for consoling Lady More, and persuading her to accept his farewell, because they will reunite soon. According to the Ptolemaic theory, the planets rejoin after thirtysix thousand years. Since Donne's poem has thirty-six lines, it can probably refer to his unification with his wife after a certain period of time. References Bahji, S Morocco News Tribune: An analysis of John Donne's poem A Valediction Forbidding Mourning”, Morocco News Tribune Press. Donne, John. Poems of John Donne. Voll. London: Lawrence & Bullen Watson, Izaac. Life of Dr. John Donne Adelaide university Library Australia. Web edition. [...]
[...] This describes another metaphysical conceit. With the likeness of gold, their love becomes an admired and refined work of art. The last two verses describe an analogy between his love and a compass' two legs. His soul and that of Lady More represent the two steady legs of a compass, with permanent connections to one another. His wife's soul is the stationary foot around which the other leg of the compass moves around. This suggests that wherever he goes or travels, his lover leans towards him. [...]
[...] Second, the physical aspect of earthly love may refer to a strong and everlasting relationship, similar to the one between the earth and the moon. These two elements make up the conceit imagery. Moreover, the moon does not orbit the earth all the time. Sometimes, it disappears and leaves a dark shadow over the planet. However, this does not mean the end of its relationship with the earth. Similarly, couples may be apart, but their souls not recognizing one another's absence. In this sense, their love is everlasting and mature. [...]
[...] He wrote a metaphysical poem, valediction forbidding mourning”, in the early seventeenth century. Speculations are that he composed it for Anne More, his wife, before going on a tour to Germany and France. This poem is also unique in that Donne's other works were naturally more carnal. Hence, this paper tries to give an analytical review of this poem. Bahji states that the metaphysical conceit in this poem offers an unconventional and unique technique that Donne uses to amplify the value of his ideas and thoughts. [...]
[...] It is just that man is in their way. Here, Donne tries to introduce the beliefs of conventional astronomy called the Ptolemaic theory of the universe. www.oboolo.com This theory was influential in religious astronomy till the sixteenth century. As a result, it influenced numerous disciplines such as literature and theology (Bahji, 4). Ptolemaic theory says that the earth, as a planet, is situated at the center of the universe, which other planets, stars, and celestial bodies orbit. The theory then states that these bodies will reunite harmoniously in the last day, marking the completion of their trajectory. [...]
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