'The Good-Morrow' by John Donne
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I wonder, by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved? were we not weaned till then,
But sucked on country pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the seven sleepers' den?
'Twas so; but this, all pleasures fancies be.
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desired, and got, 'twas but a dream of thee.
And now good morrow to our waking souls,
Which watch not one another out of fear;
For love all love of other sights controls,
And makes one little room an everywhere.
Let sea discovers to new worlds have gone,
Let maps to others, worlds on worlds have shown:
Let us possess one world; each hath one, and is one.
My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
And true plain hearts do in the faces rest;
Where can we find two better hemishperes,
Without sharp North, without declining West?
Whatever dies was not mixed equally;
If our two loves be one, or thou and I
Love so alike that none do slacken, none can die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Good-Morrow: A Masterpiece by John Donne
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like the world stopped revolving for a moment and you were transported to another dimension? If not, then you haven't read John Donne's "The Good-Morrow." This literary masterpiece is a perfect blend of eloquent language, ingenious metaphorical imagery, and a deeply philosophical theme that explores the nature of love and its transformative power. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into Donne's poetic genius and unravel the many layers of meaning in this timeless poem.
Historical Context
Before we begin our analysis, it's important to understand the historical context in which John Donne wrote "The Good-Morrow." Donne was a 17th-century English poet and cleric known for his metaphysical poetry, a style that is characterized by complex and abstract themes, intellectual wit, and unconventional metaphors. Donne's poems were influenced by the cultural and intellectual revolution of the Renaissance, which celebrated the human spirit and individuality, and rejected the dogmatic authority of the Church.
"The Good-Morrow" was published in Donne's collection of poems called "Songs and Sonnets" in 1633. The poem was written during a period of Donne's life when he was deeply in love with his wife, Anne More, whom he had recently married. The poem is an expression of his love for Anne and a reflection on the transformative power of their relationship.
Poetic Analysis
"The Good-Morrow" is a 21-line poem that is divided into three stanzas. The poem is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, in which the speaker addresses his lover and expresses his thoughts and feelings. The speaker begins by questioning the reality of their previous lives, suggesting that they were merely sleeping or dreaming before they met each other:
I wonder by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved? Were we not wean’d till then?
But suck’d on country pleasures, childishly?
The speaker's use of the word "wean'd" suggests that he and his lover were like children before they found love, and that their lives were incomplete and immature. The speaker goes on to describe their newfound love as a transformative power that has awakened them from their previous state of ignorance and immaturity:
But we loved, I swear, in my heart’s trove,
With a love that was more than love—
I and my Annabel Lee—
The use of the phrase "my heart's trove" suggests that the speaker's love for his lover is a treasure that he holds dear. The phrase "more than love" suggests that their love is not just a physical attraction or infatuation, but a deeper connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
The speaker then uses a series of metaphors to describe the nature of their love, comparing it to a compass that always points to their true north, and to a gold coin that has been refined and purified:
As stiff twin compasses are two;
Thy soul, the fixed foot, makes no show
To move, but doth, if the other do.
The use of the word "stiff" suggests that their love is unwavering and steadfast, while the metaphor of the compass suggests that their love is a guiding force that keeps them grounded and connected. The gold coin metaphor suggests that their love has been tested and refined, and is now a valuable and precious commodity.
In the final stanza, the speaker declares that their love is not bound by the physical world, but is a spiritual force that transcends death:
And makes one little room an everywhere.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown,
Let us possess one world, each hath one, and is one.
The use of the word "everywhere" suggests that their love is all-encompassing and infinite, while the metaphor of the world suggests that their love is a self-contained universe that is complete and perfect.
Interpretation
"The Good-Morrow" is a poem that explores the nature of love and its transformative power. The speaker suggests that before he and his lover found each other, their lives were incomplete and immature. However, their love has awakened them from their previous state of ignorance and immaturity, and has transformed them into fully realized individuals.
The poem's central metaphor of the compass suggests that their love is a guiding force that keeps them grounded and connected. The speaker suggests that their love is unwavering and steadfast, and that it allows them to navigate the challenges of life with ease and confidence.
The gold coin metaphor suggests that their love has been tested and refined, and is now a valuable and precious commodity. The speaker suggests that their love is not just a physical attraction or infatuation, but a deeper connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
In the final stanza, the speaker declares that their love is not bound by the physical world, but is a spiritual force that transcends death. The speaker suggests that their love is all-encompassing and infinite, and that it creates a self-contained universe that is complete and perfect.
Overall, "The Good-Morrow" is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry that explores the transformative power of love. The poem's exquisite language, ingenious metaphors, and profound philosophical themes make it one of the greatest love poems ever written. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend it. It will leave you breathless and in awe of John Donne's poetic genius.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Good-Morrow: A Masterpiece of John Donne
John Donne, the renowned metaphysical poet, is known for his complex and intricate poetry that explores the depths of human emotions and experiences. One of his most celebrated works is The Good-Morrow, a poem that delves into the themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition. This masterpiece is a perfect example of Donne's unique style, which combines intellectualism, wit, and passion to create a work that is both profound and beautiful.
The Good-Morrow is a sonnet that consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has eight syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This rhythmic structure gives the poem a musical quality that enhances its emotional impact.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, asking her to wake up from her slumber and join him in a new day. He says, "I wonder by my troth, what thou and I / Did, till we loved? Were we not weaned till then?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the nature of their love and how it has transformed their lives.
The second stanza of the poem is where Donne's metaphysical style comes to the fore. The speaker compares their love to a "two hemispheres" that have been joined together, creating a new world that is "one little room, an everywhere." This metaphorical language is typical of Donne's work, as he often uses complex and abstract concepts to explore the nature of human experience.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker reflects on the spiritual dimension of their love. He says, "And now good-morrow to our waking souls, / Which watch not one another out of fear; / For love, all love of other sights controls, / And makes one little room an everywhere." Here, the speaker suggests that their love has transcended the physical realm and has become a spiritual force that unites their souls. This idea of love as a spiritual force is a recurring theme in Donne's work, and it reflects his deep religious beliefs.
One of the most striking aspects of The Good-Morrow is its use of imagery. Donne employs a range of vivid and evocative images to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. For example, he describes their love as a "gold compass" that guides them through life, and as a "breath" that sustains them. These images are not only beautiful but also serve to deepen the reader's understanding of the speaker's feelings.
Another notable feature of The Good-Morrow is its use of language. Donne's poetry is known for its intellectualism and wit, and this poem is no exception. The speaker's language is rich and complex, with a range of literary devices such as alliteration, metaphor, and paradox. For example, he describes their love as "an ever-fixed mark / That looks on tempests and is never shaken." This paradoxical statement suggests that their love is both unchanging and yet able to withstand the storms of life.
In conclusion, The Good-Morrow is a masterpiece of John Donne's poetry that explores the themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition. Its use of imagery, language, and metaphysical concepts make it a work of great beauty and complexity. The poem's emotional impact is heightened by its rhythmic structure, which gives it a musical quality that enhances its power. Overall, The Good-Morrow is a testament to Donne's genius as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in his work.
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