'Elegy IX: The Autumnal' by John Donne
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No spring nor summer Beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnall face.
Young beauties force our love, and that's a rape,
This doth but counsel, yet you cannot 'scape.
If 'twere a shame to love, here 'twere no shame,
Affection here takes Reverence's name.
Were her first years the Golden Age; that's true,
But now she's gold oft tried, and ever new.
That was her torrid and inflaming time,
This is her tolerable Tropique clime.
Fair eyes, who asks more heat than comes from hence,
He in a fever wishes pestilence.
Call not these wrinkles, graves; if graves they were,
They were Love's graves; for else he is no where.
Yet lies not Love dead here, but here doth sit
Vowed to this trench, like an Anachorit.
And here, till hers, which must be his death, come,
He doth not dig a grave, but build a tomb.
Here dwells he, though he sojourn ev'ry where,
In progress, yet his standing house is here.
Here, where still evening is; not noon, nor night;
Where no voluptuousness, yet all delight
In all her words, unto all hearers fit,
You may at revels, you at counsel, sit.
This is Love's timber, youth his under-wood;
There he, as wine in June enrages blood,
Which then comes seasonabliest, when our taste
And appetite to other things is past.
Xerxes' strange Lydian love, the Platane tree,
Was loved for age, none being so large as she,
Or else because, being young, nature did bless
Her youth with age's glory, Barrenness.
If we love things long sought, Age is a thing
Which we are fifty years in compassing;
If transitory things, which soon decay,
Age must be loveliest at the latest day.
But name not winter-faces, whose skin's slack;
Lank, as an unthrift's purse; but a soul's sack;
Whose eyes seek light within, for all here's shade;
Whose mouths are holes, rather worn out than made;
Whose every tooth to a several place is gone,
To vex their souls at Resurrection;
Name not these living deaths-heads unto me,
For these, not ancient, but antique be.
I hate extremes; yet I had rather stay
With tombs than cradles, to wear out a day.
Since such love's natural lation is, may still
My love descend, and journey down the hill,
Not panting after growing beauties so,
I shall ebb out with them, who homeward go.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Elegy IX: The Autumnal - A Masterpiece in John Donne's Literary Career
When it comes to discussing the works of John Donne, one cannot overlook the impact of his elegies. Among them, Elegy IX: The Autumnal stands out as one of the finest works of Donne's literary career. This poem showcases the depth and range of Donne's poetic abilities, as he explores themes of nature, love, and melancholy in a manner that is both introspective and accessible. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the various aspects of this elegy, including its form, language, symbolism, and themes.
Form and Language
Elegy IX: The Autumnal is written in iambic pentameter, a meter that Donne often employed in his poetry. The poem consists of nine stanzas of nine lines each, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of rhyme and meter adds a musical quality to the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in.
Donne's use of language in this elegy is also noteworthy. He employs a rich and vivid vocabulary, using metaphors and similes to convey his ideas. For example, in the first stanza, he compares the autumnal landscape to a "ruin'd choire," evoking an image of a desolate and abandoned cathedral. Throughout the poem, Donne uses nature imagery to explore the theme of decay and loss, such as the "yellow leaves" that "shiver on the trees" and the "crimson leaves" that "fall from the lofty vine."
Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of Elegy IX: The Autumnal is its use of symbolism. Donne employs a variety of symbols throughout the poem to communicate his themes of decay, loss, and death. For example, the "yellow leaves" and "crimson leaves" represent the transience of life, as they wither and fall from the trees. The "lofty vine" symbolizes the fleeting nature of love, which is beautiful but ultimately fleeting.
Another symbol that appears throughout the poem is the "hoary hairs" of age, which represent the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The image of the "hoary head" is repeated several times in the poem, emphasizing the idea that age and death are inextricably linked.
Themes
At its core, Elegy IX: The Autumnal is a meditation on the transience of life, and the inevitability of decay and death. Donne explores these themes through his use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, creating a haunting and melancholy tone that lingers long after the poem has ended.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of love and its relationship to time. Donne suggests that love, like the autumnal landscape, is beautiful but fleeting, and that the passage of time inevitably leads to its decay and loss. This idea is encapsulated in the following lines from the poem:
"But our loves are, as the leaves, just springing up, And in the bud, have unbid farewell taken; Their true loves leaves, and now they needs must die, They dying, breed others, to perpetuate their memory."
Here, Donne suggests that love is cyclical, that it is born, grows, and ultimately dies, only to be reborn again in a new form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elegy IX: The Autumnal is a masterpiece of English literature, and a shining example of John Donne's poetic abilities. Through his use of form, language, symbolism, and themes, Donne creates a haunting and beautiful elegy that explores the nature of life, love, and death. This poem continues to resonate with readers today, more than four centuries after it was written, and stands as a testament to Donne's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of his generation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Donne's Elegy IX: The Autumnal is a classic poem that captures the essence of the fall season. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the changing of the seasons and the inevitable cycle of life and death. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of autumn. He talks about the leaves changing color and falling from the trees, the cool breeze blowing, and the birds migrating south. The speaker is in awe of the beauty of the season and is captivated by its charm. He describes the season as a "second spring" and a "harvest of a quiet eye." These lines suggest that autumn is a time of renewal and reflection, a time to appreciate the beauty of life before it fades away.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more melancholic. He begins to reflect on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. He compares the falling leaves to the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. He says, "And yet this time remov'd was summer's time; / The teeming autumn, big with rich increase, / Bearing the wanton burden of the prime, / Like widowed wombs after their lords' decease." These lines suggest that autumn is a time of mourning, a time to reflect on what has been lost and what is yet to come.
The imagery used in the poem is rich and vivid. The speaker uses metaphors and similes to describe the beauty of autumn. He compares the changing leaves to "gold, / Or the least change of leaves to flowers translated." This imagery suggests that autumn is a time of transformation, a time when things change and become something new. The speaker also uses personification to give life to the season. He describes the wind as a "harvest" and the sun as a "reaper." This personification adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it more relatable and emotional.
The language used in the poem is also significant. The speaker uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. He uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, he says, "And see the brave day sunk in hideous night." This alliteration creates a sense of rhythm and flow to the poem, making it more enjoyable to read. The speaker also uses repetition to emphasize certain points. He repeats the phrase "no more" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the finality of death and the passing of time.
One of the most significant themes in the poem is the cycle of life and death. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the transience of life. He says, "And yet this time remov'd was summer's time; / The teeming autumn, big with rich increase, / Bearing the wanton burden of the prime, / Like widowed wombs after their lords' decease." These lines suggest that autumn is a time of mourning, a time to reflect on what has been lost and what is yet to come. The speaker is reminding us that life is fleeting and that we must appreciate it while we can.
Another theme in the poem is the beauty of nature. The speaker is in awe of the beauty of autumn and is captivated by its charm. He describes the season as a "second spring" and a "harvest of a quiet eye." These lines suggest that autumn is a time of renewal and reflection, a time to appreciate the beauty of life before it fades away. The speaker is reminding us that nature is a source of beauty and inspiration, and that we should take the time to appreciate it.
In conclusion, John Donne's Elegy IX: The Autumnal is a beautiful tribute to the changing of the seasons and the inevitable cycle of life and death. The poem is rich in imagery and language, and the themes it explores are timeless and universal. The poem reminds us to appreciate the beauty of life and nature, and to reflect on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. It is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of it while we can.
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