'Elegy V: His Picture' by John Donne

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Here take my picture; though I bid farewell,
Thine, in my heart, where my soul dwells, shall dwell.
'Tis like me now, but I dead, 'twill be more
When we are shadows both than 'twas before.
When weather-beaten I come back, my hand
Perhaps with rude oars torn, or sunbeams tanned,
My face and breast of haircloth, and my head
With cares rash sudden storms being o'erspread,
My body a sack of bones, broken within,
And powder's blue stains scattered on my skin;
If rival fools tax thee t' have loved a man
So foul and course as, Oh, I may seem then,
This shall say what I was: and thou shalt say,
Do his hurts reach me? doth my worth decay?
Or do they reach his judging mind, that he
Should now love less what he did love to see?
That which in him was fair and delicate
Was but the milk, which in love's childish state
Did nurse it: who now is grown strong enough
To feed on that, which to disused tastes seems tough.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Elegy V: His Picture by John Donne

Have you ever looked at a picture of a loved one who has passed away and felt as though they were still alive? Have you ever wished to capture a moment in time forever? John Donne, the famous poet of the 17th century, captured the essence of such feelings in his poem, Elegy V: His Picture. In this poetic masterpiece, Donne reflects on the power of art to preserve the memory of a loved one and to provide solace in times of grief.

Setting the Scene

The poem opens with Donne describing a portrait of his beloved, which hangs on his wall. He writes, "Here take my picture; though I bid farewell, Thine, in my heart, where my soul dwells, shall dwell." (lines 1-2) The speaker is bidding farewell to his beloved, but he realizes that the picture will keep her alive in his heart forever. The use of the word "picture" in the opening line is significant because it indicates that the speaker is referring to more than just a painting. The picture is a symbol of his love and a representation of his beloved's soul.

The Power of Art

Donne then goes on to describe the portrait in great detail, highlighting the skill of the artist who captured his beloved's beauty. He writes, "Picture of griefe, dissembled here by art, / And oft looks so, that the deceit deceives, / And makes one with me, strangely, sympathyse." (lines 5-7) The use of the word "deceit" is intriguing because it suggests that the portrait is not merely a representation of the beloved's appearance but also a representation of her internal state. The portrait deceives because it captures the essence of the speaker's grief and makes him feel a sense of sympathy with the subject of the painting.

The Importance of Memory

Donne then reflects on the importance of memory in preserving the memory of a lost loved one. He writes, "But since my soule, whose child love is, / Takes limbes of flesh, and else could nothing do, / More subtle than the parent is love, / So must my soule, which is but love, and you, / What ever soules of tender women can, / To your, sick, hurt, chang'd, scince shee, which was faire, / And wholly like herselfe, teach every part / To come to thee, and to be fit in thee." (lines 10-17) The speaker's soul is a representation of his love for his beloved, and he believes that this love can transcend death. The power of memory is essential because it allows the speaker to keep his beloved alive in his heart and mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elegy V: His Picture is a powerful meditation on the power of art to preserve the memory of a loved one. Donne uses the portrait as a symbol of his love and a representation of his beloved's soul. The portrait deceives because it captures the essence of the speaker's grief and makes him feel a sense of sympathy with the subject of the painting. The power of memory is essential because it allows the speaker to keep his beloved alive in his heart and mind. Overall, this poem is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the power of art to capture it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Elegy V: His Picture by John Donne is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and remembrance. The poem is a tribute to the memory of the poet's beloved, whose portrait he holds dear. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the portrait of his beloved. He marvels at the accuracy of the painting, which captures every detail of her physical appearance. The speaker is in awe of the artist's skill, which has immortalized his beloved's beauty. He notes that the portrait is a true representation of his beloved, both in her physical appearance and her character.

The speaker then reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. He laments that his beloved is no longer with him, and that the portrait is all that remains of her. He acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, but he cannot help but feel the pain of loss. The speaker's grief is palpable, and the reader can sense the depth of his emotions.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to address his beloved directly. He tells her that he will keep her portrait close to him, and that he will cherish it forever. He assures her that her memory will live on, and that he will always remember her. The speaker's words are heartfelt and sincere, and they convey a sense of deep love and devotion.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the power of art to capture the essence of life. He notes that the portrait is a testament to the artist's skill, and that it has the power to evoke emotions and memories. The speaker acknowledges that the portrait is not a substitute for his beloved, but it is a reminder of her and the love they shared.

The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of three stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of iambic pentameter also adds to the musicality of the poem. The poem is written in a conversational tone, which makes it easy to read and understand.

The poem is rich in literary devices, which add depth and meaning to the text. The use of imagery is particularly effective, as it helps to create a vivid picture of the portrait and the speaker's emotions. For example, the line "Thou art thyself, though not a selfe" is a paradox that captures the essence of the portrait. The use of paradox creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, which adds to the poem's overall impact.

The use of alliteration is also effective in creating a musical quality to the poem. For example, the line "And makes me see what a face hath been" uses alliteration to emphasize the speaker's admiration for the portrait. The use of repetition is also effective, as it helps to reinforce the speaker's emotions. For example, the repetition of the word "never" in the line "Never shall I forget thy face" emphasizes the speaker's commitment to remembering his beloved.

In conclusion, Elegy V: His Picture by John Donne is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and remembrance. The poem is a tribute to the memory of the poet's beloved, whose portrait he holds dear. The poem is rich in literary devices, which add depth and meaning to the text. The use of imagery, paradox, alliteration, and repetition all contribute to the poem's impact. The poem is a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of life, and to the enduring nature of love and memory.

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