'To His Mistress Going to Bed' by John Donne
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Come, Madam, come, all rest my powers defy,
Until I labour, I in labour lie.
The foe oft-times having the foe in sight,
Is tired with standing though they never fight.
Off with that girdle, like heaven's zone glistering,
But a far fairer world encompassing.
Unpin that spangled breastplate which you wear,
That th' eyes of busy fools may be stopped there.
Unlace yourself, for that harmonious chime
Tells me from you, that now 'tis your bed time.
Off with that happy busk, which I envy,
That still can be, and still can stand so nigh.
Your gown going off, such beauteous state reveals,
As when from flowery meads th' hill's shadow steals.
Off with that wiry coronet and show
The hairy diadem which on you doth grow;
Now off with those shoes, and then safely tread
In this love's hallowed temple, this soft bed.
In such white robes heaven's angels used to be
Received by men; thou angel bring'st with thee
A heaven like Mahomet's paradise; and though
Ill spirits walk in white, we easily know
By this these angels from an evil sprite,
Those set our hairs, but these our flesh upright.
License my roving hands, and let them go
Before, behind, between, above, below.
O my America, my new found land,
My kingdom, safeliest when with one man manned,
My mine of precious stones, my empery,
How blessed am I in this discovering thee!
To enter in these bonds, is to be free;
Then where my hand is set, my seal shall be.
Full nakedness, all joys are due to thee
As souls unbodied, bodies unclothed must be,
To taste whole joys. Gems which you women use
Are like Atlanta's balls, cast in men's views,
That when a fool's eye lighteth on a gem,
His earthly soul may covet theirs, not them.
Like pictures, or like books' gay coverings made
For laymen, are all women thus arrayed;
Themselves are mystic books, which only we
Whom their imputed grace will dignify
Must see revealed. Then since I may know,
As liberally, as to a midwife, show
Thyself: cast all, yea, this white linen hence,
Here is no penance, much less innocence.
To teach thee, I am naked first, why then
What needst thou have more covering than a man.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Sensual Journey: An Interpretation of John Donne's "To His Mistress Going to Bed"
As I sit down to write about John Donne's "To His Mistress Going to Bed," my mind is filled with images of passion, desire, and sensuality. This poem is not just a celebration of physical love but a journey of the senses that takes the reader on a ride of emotions and feelings. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem to unravel its meaning and significance.
Themes
At its core, "To His Mistress Going to Bed" is a poem about physical love and desire. Donne uses the imagery of undressing and getting into bed to explore the sensuality of the moment. However, there is more to this poem than just the physical act of lovemaking. It is a celebration of the female form and the power of the female body to arouse desire in men. Donne's mistress is not an object of desire but an active participant in the act of love. She is not just naked but "stripped" of all her social roles and obligations. The act of undressing is not just about removing clothes but about removing the layers that separate the lovers and getting to the essence of their beings.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of time and mortality. Donne's mistress is compared to the sun, which rises and sets, and is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. The act of lovemaking is not just about pleasure but also about capturing a moment of passion and intensity that will be gone in a flash. The speaker wants to seize the moment and make it eternal through the power of his words.
Imagery
Donne's use of imagery in this poem is both sensual and vivid. He paints a picture of his mistress undressing and getting into bed, and the reader can almost feel the texture of the sheets and the warmth of their bodies. The imagery is not just about physical sensations but also about the power of the female body to arouse desire. The speaker describes his mistress as "gold tissue" and "a globe of sinewy and pulpy parts," invoking the image of a goddess or a celestial body.
The imagery of light and darkness is also prominent in the poem. The speaker compares his mistress to the sun, which rises and sets, and her naked body is described as a "new world" that is full of light and life. The darkness of the room is a symbol of the unknown and the mysterious, and the act of lovemaking is a journey into the unknown.
Language
Donne's language in this poem is rich and vibrant, and it reflects the intensity of the moment. He uses a variety of literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and allusions, to create a rich tapestry of words that capture the essence of the act of lovemaking. The language is not just descriptive but also sensual, and it arouses the senses of the reader.
The use of metaphors is particularly striking in this poem. Donne compares his mistress to the sun, the "Phoebus' chariot" that "glows" with light and warmth. He also compares her to a "gold tissue" that shimmers and shines. These metaphors are not just about beauty but also about power and strength.
The use of allusion is also prominent in the poem. The speaker refers to the "pillows," "bolsters," and "sheets" that his mistress uses to prepare for the act of lovemaking, invoking the image of a royal court and the rituals that surround the act of sex.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Donne's "To His Mistress Going to Bed" is a poem that celebrates physical love and desire but also explores deeper themes of time, mortality, and the power of the female body. The imagery and language of the poem are sensual and vivid, and they create a rich tapestry of words that capture the essence of the act of lovemaking. This poem is not just a celebration of physical pleasure but a journey of the senses that takes the reader on a ride of emotions and feelings.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To His Mistress Going to Bed: A Sensual Masterpiece by John Donne
John Donne, one of the most celebrated poets of the Renaissance era, is known for his metaphysical poetry that explores the complexities of love, faith, and mortality. Among his many works, "Poetry To His Mistress Going to Bed" stands out as a sensual masterpiece that captures the essence of erotic desire and physical intimacy. Written in the early 17th century, this poem is a celebration of the female body and the pleasures of the flesh, as well as a reflection on the power dynamics between men and women in the context of sexual desire.
The poem is structured as a dialogue between the speaker, presumably Donne himself, and his mistress, who is getting undressed in front of him. The speaker's tone is playful, seductive, and at times, humorous, as he urges his mistress to remove her clothes and join him in bed. He uses a variety of poetic devices, such as metaphors, allusions, and puns, to create a vivid and sensual imagery that appeals to the senses and the imagination.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his mistress in a flattering and affectionate manner, calling her "unruly" and "angelic." He then proceeds to describe her body in detail, using metaphors that compare her to various natural and mythological entities. For example, he compares her breasts to "two firmaments of liquid pearl," her thighs to "pillars of marble," and her belly to a "world of white." These metaphors not only highlight the beauty and sensuality of the female body but also elevate it to a divine and mythical status, suggesting that the act of lovemaking is a sacred and transformative experience.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more explicit in his language and imagery, urging his mistress to remove her clothes and reveal her nakedness to him. He uses puns and wordplay to create a sense of playful and erotic tension, such as when he says, "Off with that girdle, like heaven's zone glistering, / But a far fairer world encompassing." Here, the word "girdle" can refer to both a piece of clothing and a symbol of virginity, suggesting that the speaker is not only interested in his mistress's physical body but also in her sexual experience and history.
The poem also explores the power dynamics between men and women in the context of sexual desire. While the speaker is clearly in a position of authority and control, as he urges his mistress to obey his commands and submit to his desires, he also acknowledges the agency and autonomy of his mistress. He praises her for her beauty and intelligence, and acknowledges that she has the power to refuse his advances if she chooses to do so. This dynamic creates a sense of mutual respect and trust between the two lovers, as they engage in a consensual and pleasurable act of intimacy.
Overall, "Poetry To His Mistress Going to Bed" is a sensual and provocative poem that celebrates the beauty and power of the female body, as well as the pleasures of physical intimacy. It is a testament to Donne's mastery of language and poetic form, as well as his ability to capture the complexities of human desire and emotion. As a timeless work of art, this poem continues to inspire and delight readers with its vivid imagery, playful language, and erotic energy.
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