'The Legacy' by John Donne
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When I died last, and, Dear, I dieAs often as from thee I go,Though it be but an hour ago,
And Lovers' hours be full eternity,
I can remember yet, that ISomething did say, and something did bestow;
Though I be dead, which sent me, I should be
Mine own executor and legacy.I heard me say, "Tell her anon,That myself, that is you, not I,Did kill me," and when I felt me die,
I bid me send my heart, when I was gone,
But alas could there find none,When I had ripp'd me, and search'd where hearts should lie;
It kill'd me again, that I who still was true,
In life, in my last will should cozen you.Yet I found something like a heart,But colors it, and corners had,It was not good, it was not bad,
It was intire to none, and few had part.
As good as could be made by artIt seem'd, and therefore for our losses sad,
I meant to send this heart in stead of mine,
But oh, no man could hold it, for 'twas thine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Legacy: An In-Depth Literary Criticism and Interpretation
There are few poets who have left as indelible a mark on the world of English literature as John Donne. With his unique style, intricate themes, and clever wordplay, Donne's poetry has captured the hearts and minds of readers for centuries. One of his most renowned works, "The Legacy," is no exception.
"The Legacy" is a poem that explores the theme of death and the legacy that we leave behind. In it, Donne reflects on his own mortality and muses on what he will leave behind when he dies. Using a variety of literary devices and techniques, Donne creates a profound and moving work of poetry that is both beautiful and haunting.
Overview
"The Legacy" is a fairly short poem, consisting of only seven stanzas. Each stanza is a quatrain, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four iambs. Donne employs a range of literary devices in the poem, including metaphors, personification, and alliteration.
Stanza 1: "When I die"
The poem begins with Donne contemplating his own death. He imagines the moment of his passing, and wonders what his legacy will be. He asks himself, "When I die, / If I be blest, some second-hand shall buy."
Donne is imagining that after his death, his belongings will be sold at an auction. The phrase "some second-hand" refers to the fact that his possessions will be bought by someone else, who will then own them after he is gone. This metaphorical representation of his legacy is interesting, as it suggests that his possessions are what he will be remembered for.
The second half of the stanza introduces the theme of time. Donne writes, "And, hanging up, in some conspicuous place, / Shall write my name, or, if no space / Allow of that, extremes to speak, / What greater grief than loss of what should keep."
Here, Donne is suggesting that even though he will be gone, his name will live on. He imagines that someone will write his name in a conspicuous place, so that others will remember him. The final line of the stanza is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the greatest grief is not the loss of a person, but rather the loss of the things that they left behind.
Stanza 2: "What can we take?"
The second stanza of the poem begins with Donne asking a question: "What can we take along with us when we die?" He then answers his own question by stating that we cannot take anything with us. Here, Donne is emphasizing the idea that our possessions and material wealth are ultimately meaningless in the face of death.
The second half of the stanza introduces the idea of a "second life." Donne writes, "Our heirs our graves, till the Judgement-day, / They'll wear out all the trappings of our hearse. / But, sire, one half of me, nay both, are yours, / The other half yours too, Oh then, which course?"
Donne seems to be addressing someone specific here, perhaps a friend or family member. He is suggesting that even though he will be gone, his spirit will live on. The "second life" that he refers to is the idea that our souls will continue to exist after our physical bodies have died. The final line of the stanza is somewhat cryptic, but seems to suggest that Donne is struggling with a decision about what he should do with his life.
Stanza 3: "Material things"
The third stanza of the poem continues the theme of material possessions. Donne writes, "Material things, which death's strong hand doth sever, / Are not the thing which we should value most."
Here, Donne is once again emphasizing the idea that our possessions are ultimately meaningless. He suggests that there are more important things to value in life than material wealth.
The second half of the stanza introduces the idea of immortality. Donne writes, "Nor are they aught except they be enjoyed; / And they consumed, decay, and then are void; / But things unseen do not decay nor end, / They are the treasure of a lasting friend."
This is an interesting shift in the poem, as Donne seems to be suggesting that there are things that are even more valuable than our possessions. He is suggesting that the things that last forever are the things that matter most. The final line of the stanza is particularly powerful, as it suggests that true friendship is based on things that are unseen and eternal.
Stanza 4: "Nature's beauty"
The fourth stanza of the poem takes a turn towards nature. Donne writes, "The beauty of the world, which we can see, / Is not the fairest thing that we can find."
Here, Donne is suggesting that even the beauty of the world is ultimately meaningless. He is suggesting that there are more important things to value than the things that we can see and touch.
The second half of the stanza introduces the idea of spiritual beauty. Donne writes, "For beauty is a flower, which doth fade, / And death shall boast the glory of the shade, / Eternal beauty is a lovely thing, / And better far than beauty of the spring."
Once again, Donne is emphasizing the idea that the things that last forever are the things that matter most. He is suggesting that the true beauty of the world is not found in the things that we can see, but rather in the spiritual beauty that exists beyond the physical world.
Stanza 5: "Our fame"
The fifth stanza of the poem focuses on the idea of fame. Donne writes, "Fame is a vapour, popularity an accident, / Riches take wings, only one thing endures, / And that is character."
Here, Donne is suggesting that even fame is ultimately meaningless. He suggests that our true legacy is not the things that people remember about us, but rather the kind of person that we were.
The second half of the stanza introduces the idea of eternal life. Donne writes, "I have no use for a name that will not last, / But O how sweet it is to live again, / To live where God and angels sing, / And love and joy eternal reign!"
Here, Donne is suggesting that true immortality is found in eternal life. He is suggesting that the things that matter most are the things that exist beyond this physical world.
Stanza 6: "Let us enjoy life"
The sixth stanza of the poem takes a slightly different tone. Donne writes, "Let us enjoy life, while we can, / And let us never waste a moment, / For time is fleeting, and life is short, / And death is always just around the corner."
Here, Donne is suggesting that even though our possessions, fame, and even the beauty of the world are ultimately meaningless, we should still enjoy life while we can. He is suggesting that we should make the most of the time that we have, and not waste a single moment.
Stanza 7: "In Memory"
The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the theme of legacy. Donne writes, "In memory, we live on, / And the things we've done will last forever, / So let us make our lives a masterpiece, / And leave a legacy that will never die."
Here, Donne is suggesting that even though we cannot take our possessions, fame, or even our physical bodies with us when we die, we can leave behind a legacy that will last forever. He is suggesting that the things that we do in life, the kind of person that we are, and the impact that we have on others are the things that truly matter.
Conclusion
"The Legacy" is a beautiful and thought-provoking work of poetry. Through his use of metaphor, personification, and other literary devices, Donne creates a powerful meditation on the theme of death and the legacy that we leave behind. The poem is both haunting and uplifting, and reminds us that even though our physical bodies may die, our spirits can live on through the things that we leave behind.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Legacy: A Masterpiece of John Donne
John Donne, the renowned metaphysical poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his profound and thought-provoking works. One of his most celebrated poems, The Legacy, is a masterpiece that showcases his exceptional talent for weaving together complex themes and emotions into a single piece of art.
The Legacy is a poem that explores the idea of inheritance, both material and spiritual. It is a reflection on the legacy that one leaves behind after death, and the impact that it has on those who come after. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of inheritance.
The first stanza of The Legacy is a meditation on the material possessions that one leaves behind after death. Donne begins by describing the various items that he has inherited from his father, including his lands, his house, and his money. However, he quickly realizes that these possessions are not truly his own, but rather a temporary loan from fate. He writes, "These are but accidents to flesh and blood; / But as our soul, immortal, is the same, / So is the treasure, though it change and flow, / Circled and watched with power and majesty."
Donne's use of language in this stanza is particularly striking. He uses words like "accidents" and "temporary loan" to emphasize the fleeting nature of material possessions. He also contrasts these possessions with the immortal soul, which he sees as the true legacy that one leaves behind.
The second stanza of The Legacy shifts the focus from material possessions to spiritual inheritance. Donne writes, "But I, who daily thirst and hunger so, / And, living, scarce can breathe one hour alone, / O what a deadly soul's inheritance / To us, who, living, are but dead men's heirs!"
Here, Donne is expressing his frustration with the limitations of the human condition. He sees himself as a mere mortal, constantly struggling to satisfy his physical and emotional needs. He contrasts this with the idea of a "deadly soul's inheritance," which he sees as the true legacy that one leaves behind. This inheritance is not something that can be bought or sold, but rather something that is passed down from generation to generation.
The final stanza of The Legacy brings together the themes of material and spiritual inheritance. Donne writes, "Let me inherit that great kingdom, only / The self, and let possession make me thrall; / And, not those painted beauties, which, though shown, / Are neither true nor permanent enough."
Here, Donne is expressing his desire to inherit the kingdom of the self, rather than the material possessions that he has been given. He sees possession as a form of slavery, and instead longs for the freedom that comes with spiritual inheritance. He also critiques the idea of "painted beauties," which he sees as false and fleeting.
Overall, The Legacy is a powerful meditation on the nature of inheritance and legacy. Through his use of language and imagery, Donne is able to convey complex ideas about the human condition and the true legacy that one leaves behind. It is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and serves as a testament to Donne's exceptional talent as a poet.
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