Topic > Gentle Death: The Concept of Loss in Donne's Poetry

John Donne's "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning" opens with an acknowledgment of the deaths of "virtuous men." The concept of death, as rooted in the first line, is an extremely striking way to begin a poem. This surprising openness is a typical characteristic of metaphysical poetry. Usually this immediacy regarding the topic of death would seem surprising, however, by using gentle vocabulary such as "moderately", "whisper" and "breath", the reader immediately feels at ease. The word "breath", in particular, suggests a peaceful passage thanks to the subtle "th" phonology which creates a calming and reassuring effect. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe poetic voice does not want to disrespect or ruin the love that exists between him and his lover, so he states that "noise" and "tear"-floods' are not allowed. His refusal to show emotion may suggest his confidence in their love as he believes it will be painless for them to part. However, it could also suggest that the poetic voice is in denial about separation from her lover and is trying to convince herself that this will have no effect on either of them. The third stanza effectively shows the strength that exists between the two lovers, using imagery of "movement of the earth" and "trepidation of the spheres". As the opening focus of stanza 3, the image of the "movement of the earth" suggests a superhuman power, which gives the lovers a superiority over the rest of the world. The impossibility of the image could also suggest that they would do anything to be together. This is a comforting concept as it shows that they will both make an effort to make their relationship work. Even the continuous movements of the "spheres" have no effect on the "innocent" lovers, whose love remains despite the separation. None of the lovers "doesn't know what it is" that makes their love work. This 'stranger' presents their love as a natural instinct, rather than a feeling that needs to be explained. This gives the impression that they are meant to be. The expression “inter-insured” also implies that they are connected. The word itself is a reminder of being interconnected, and the word “safe” also creates a form of comfort from the reader’s perspective. This connection is further developed in the next stanza where the poetic voice states that “Our two souls therefore, which are one.” This is a paradoxical idea that works because it exaggerates the connection and union between the two lovers, who are actually separate people. The 'two souls' membership may also reflect the romantic idea of ​​being soul mates. This romantic idea suggests that the two lovers are destined to be together and belong. Donne uses the concept of "double compass" to express the stability of their relationship. This image is as effective as the "fixed foot", it also helps to exaggerate the image of stability as the word "fixed" suggests a solidarity and something that is permanent. Using the compass as a geographical concept helps draw attention to the idea of ​​being headed along the right path, which works effectively with the concept of soulmates, as suggested above. The symbiotic phrase "If they are two, they are two like this", can also suggest the equality and stability that exists within the relationship. The ending of the poem is particularly reassuring as the topic revolves around the return of the two lovers. each other. The final focus of the penultimate stanza is on the phrase “come home,” which foregrounds the final stanza. In the final stanza, the word "circle", informs the reader with a cyclical image and as this is followed by "And it makes me endwhere I began", this creates a sense of certainty that they will return. Because of this, the poem ends on a positive note and leaves the reader hopeful for a happy ending. In "A Farewell That Forbids Mourning", the Most Reassurance within the poem comes from the poetic voice's confident displays and descriptions of love for his lover, as well as the positive perspective of mutual return that it focuses heavily on, particularly at the end. Readers can also find comforting elements in Donne's poem "A Valediction of Weeping", which is about the departure of the poetic voice from her lover It focuses on the extreme suffering that the separation will cause to both partners, but at the same time also attempts to console her “Let me pour the quarter” allows the poetic voice to state that he wants to free himself by getting things off his stomach. The phrase “Let me” allows Donne to emphasize that he needs to vent his emotions. The references to water; “shedding,” “tears,” “waters,” “seas” that exist throughout the poem help exaggerate this outpouring of emotion that is foreshadowed in the first stanza. From the reader's perspective, the suggestion to cry may seem comforting, because expressing one's emotions openly is part of the healing process. Donne uses interesting concepts in the opening of the poem, one of which seems reassuring. The comparison of a coin to his lover's tears, "they carry your stamp", shows that she will always be imprinted on him. The use of currency also creates a sense of its value and preciousness. Coins are also often seen as aged, long-lasting objects. This could suggest that there is no end to their love because it is so enduring, which in itself is a reassuring idea. The stanza ends with the phrase "different shore", suggesting great distance and emptiness and explains that they are "nothing" when separated. This is exaggerated by the placement of the word "shore", which is isolated and placed on a line of its own. In contrast to the exaggerated distance and solitude, the phonology of "shore" creates a calming and comforting effect, especially because it is onomatopoeic of the ocean. Similar to Donne's other poem, "A Valediction of Forbidden Mourning", there is a motif of circles and roundness in the poem which helps create a sense of mutual return. The words “round ball,” “globe,” and “world” all help demonstrate the journey the poetic voice is taking. “Pregnant” is also a word used that creates an image of plumpness. Beyond that, it gives a hint about their future, suggesting that they might eventually have a family of their own. Power is given to the subject of the poem, whose tears "mingle" with his "overflow of this world." This hyperbole creates an image that presents the two lovers together as very powerful, especially when they are distraught as their tears are said to have a great effect on the world. The comparison of his lover as "O more than the Moon" is also a powerful image because it suggests that she is "more" than something so essential and important. The effect his mistress can have on him is demonstrated by her ability to attract "the seas to drown me". This not only suggests a life-and-death control over the poetic voice, shown through the lexicon of "drown" and "dead" in the following line, but also helps support Donne's concept of undertaking a voyage across the seas. of the poem, despite revolving around death, can be seen as a form of comfort as it states that "you and I sigh for each other". This is shown through the “you and I,” which suggests the two are unified, while the soft phonology of the “th” from the words “you,” “another,” and “breath,” all help end the poem in a soft sound. and in a kind way. Here.