'Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress' by John Donne
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Who ever loves, if he do not propose
The right true end of love, he's one that goes
To sea for nothing but to make him sick.
Love is a bear-whelp born: if we o'erlick
Our love, and force it new strange shapes to take,
We err, and of a lump a monster make.
Were not a calf a monster that were grown
Faced like a man, though better than his own?
Perfection is in unity: prefer
One woman first, and then one thing in her.
I, when I value gold, may think upon
The ductileness, the application,
The wholsomeness, the ingenuity,
From rust, from soil, from fire ever free;
But if I love it, 'tis because 'tis made
By our new nature (Use) the soul of trade.
All these in women we might think upon
(If women had them) and yet love but one.
Can men more injure women than to say
They love them for that by which they're not they?
Makes virtue woman? Must I cool my blood
Till I both be, and find one, wise and good?
May barren angels love so! But if we
Make love to woman, virtue is not she,
As beauty's not, nor wealth. He that strays thus
From her to hers is more adulterous
Than if he took her maid. Search every sphere
And firmament, our Cupid is not there;
He's an infernal god, and under ground
With Pluto dwells, where gold and fire abound:
Men to such gods their sacrificing coals
Did not in altars lay, but pits and holes.
Although we see celestial bodies move
Above the earth, the earth we till and love:
So we her airs contemplate, words and heart
And virtues, but we love the centric part.
Nor is the soul more worthy, or more fit,
For love than this, as infinite is it.
But in attaining this desired place
How much they err that set out at the face.
The hair a forest is of ambushes,
Of springs, snares, fetters and manacles;
The brow becalms us when 'tis smooth and plain,
And when 'tis wrinkled shipwrecks us again—
Smooth, 'tis a paradise where we would have
Immortal stay, and wrinkled 'tis our grave.
The nose (like to the first meridian) runs
Not 'twixt an East and West, but 'twixt two suns;
It leaves a cheek, a rosy hemisphere,
On either side, and then directs us where
Upon the Islands Fortunate we fall,
(Not faint Canaries, but Ambrosial)
Her swelling lips; to which when we are come,
We anchor there, and think ourselves at home,
For they seem all: there Sirens' songs, and there
Wise Delphic oracles do fill the ear;
There in a creek where chosen pearls do swell,
The remora, her cleaving tongue doth dwell.
These, and the glorious promontory, her chin,
O'erpassed, and the straight Hellespont between
The Sestos and Abydos of her breasts,
(Not of two lovers, but two loves the nests)
Succeeds a boundless sea, but yet thine eye
Some island moles may scattered there descry;
And sailing towards her India, in that way
Shall at her fair Atlantic navel stay;
Though thence the current be thy pilot made,
Yet ere thou be where thou wouldst be embayed
Thou shalt upon another forest set,
Where many shipwreck and no further get.
When thou art there, consider what this chase
Misspent by thy beginning at the face.
Rather set out below; practise my art.
Some symetry the foot hath with that part
Which thou dost seek, and is thy map for that,
Lovely enough to stop, but not stay at;
Least subject to disguise and change it is—
Men say the devil never can change his.
It is the emblem that hath figured
Firmness; 'tis the first part that comes to bed.
Civility we see refined; the kiss
Which at the face began, transplanted is,
Since to the hand, since to the imperial knee,
Now at the papal foot delights to be:
If kings think that the nearer way, and do
Rise from the foot, lovers may do so too;
For as free spheres move faster far than can
Birds, whom the air resists, so may that man
Which goes this empty and ethereal way,
Than if at beauty's elements he stay.
Rich nature hath in women wisely made
Two purses, and their mouths aversely laid:
They then which to the lower tribute owe
That way which that exchequer looks must go:
He which doth not, his error is as great
As who by clyster gave the stomach meat.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress by John Donne
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this poem?! Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress written by John Donne is a masterpiece that explores the different stages of love and how it progresses over time. In this 72-line poem, Donne takes the reader on a journey through the ups and downs of love, from the initial infatuation to the ultimate acceptance of the inevitable end.
Overview of the Poem
The poem is broken up into six stanzas, each one representing a different stage of love. The first stanza focuses on the initial attraction between two people and how it can be overwhelming and all-consuming. Donne speaks of the "fire" and "flame" of love, and how it "overflows the cup." This imagery highlights the passionate and intense nature of love at its onset.
The second stanza moves on to the next stage of love, where the physical aspect becomes more prominent. Here, Donne describes how the lovers are "embraced and sucked and kissed" and how their bodies become "one coal." This stanza is particularly sensual and evocative, with its vivid description of the lovers' physical connection.
The third stanza shifts the focus to the emotional aspect of love. Donne describes how the lovers become "one angel." This metaphor suggests that their love has transcended the physical realm and has become something spiritual and divine. The idea of two people becoming one is a common theme in love poetry, but Donne's use of the angel metaphor adds a new layer of depth to the concept.
In the fourth stanza, Donne explores the idea of jealousy and how it can poison a relationship. He writes of how the lovers' eyes become "green and pale with envy" and how their hearts become "dull and heavy." This stanza is a reminder that love is not always easy and that it can be fraught with challenges.
The fifth stanza moves on to the inevitable end of love, where the lovers must go their separate ways. Donne describes how the lovers become "two divorced souls" and how they "chide and fight." This is perhaps the most melancholic part of the poem, as it highlights the pain and sadness that can come with the end of a relationship.
The final stanza is a reflection on the journey of love and how it has changed the lovers. Donne writes of how the lovers have "grown more kind" and how their hearts have become "one." This stanza offers a glimmer of hope that even though the relationship may have ended, the love that was shared will continue to live on.
Themes in the Poem
One of the major themes in Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress is the progression of love over time. Donne takes the reader through the different stages of love, from the initial attraction to the ultimate acceptance of the end. By doing so, he highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of love and how it can change and evolve over time.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of two people becoming one. Donne uses metaphors such as "one coal" and "one angel" to suggest that love has the power to unite people in a profound way. However, he also acknowledges that this unity can be fragile and that it is not always easy to maintain.
Jealousy is another theme that is explored in the poem. Donne writes of how jealousy can poison a relationship and how it can turn lovers against each other. This serves as a reminder that love is not always a smooth and easy journey, and that there are often obstacles that must be overcome.
Perhaps the most poignant theme in the poem is the idea of acceptance. Donne acknowledges that all relationships must come to an end, but he also suggests that this does not mean that the love that was shared was any less meaningful. By reflecting on the journey of love and how it has changed the lovers, Donne offers a message of hope and acceptance.
Literary Devices
Donne uses a variety of literary devices throughout the poem to convey his message. One of the most prominent devices is metaphor. Donne uses metaphors such as "fire," "angel," and "coal" to describe the various stages of love. These metaphors are particularly effective in conveying the intense and complex nature of love.
Another literary device that is used throughout the poem is imagery. Donne uses vivid and evocative imagery to paint a picture of the lovers and their journey. For example, he describes how the lovers' bodies become "one coal," which is a powerful and sensual image.
Donne also makes use of repetition throughout the poem. The phrase "one angel" is repeated several times, which serves to reinforce the idea of two people becoming one. The repetition of the phrase "one coal" also serves to emphasize the physical connection between the lovers.
Interpretation
Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress is a deeply moving poem that explores the complexities of love and how it progresses over time. At its core, the poem is a reflection on the journey of love and how it can change and transform us. Through his use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition, Donne paints a vivid picture of the different stages of love, from the initial infatuation to the ultimate acceptance of the end.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its honesty. Donne does not shy away from the darker aspects of love, such as jealousy and pain. Instead, he acknowledges that these are a natural part of the journey and that they are necessary in order for love to grow and evolve.
Another aspect of the poem that stands out is its message of acceptance. Donne acknowledges that all relationships must come to an end, but he also suggests that this does not mean that the love that was shared was any less meaningful. By reflecting on the journey of love and how it has changed the lovers, Donne offers a message of hope and acceptance.
In conclusion, Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress is a beautiful and deeply moving poem that explores the many facets of love. Through his use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition, Donne conveys the intense and complex nature of love and how it can change and transform us. This poem is a testament to the power of love and its ability to shape our lives in profound ways.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress by John Donne is a classic poem that explores the journey of love from its inception to its ultimate end. The poem is a beautiful and intricate piece of literature that delves into the complexities of love and its various stages. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
The poem is divided into three parts, each representing a different stage in the progression of love. The first part describes the initial stages of love, where the speaker is consumed by passion and desire. The second part represents the middle stage of love, where the speaker experiences the pain and suffering that comes with love. The final part represents the end of love, where the speaker reflects on the memories of love and the pain of loss.
The first part of the poem begins with the speaker describing the initial stages of love. The speaker is consumed by passion and desire, and he describes the physical and emotional sensations that come with it. He uses vivid imagery to describe the intensity of his feelings, saying that love has "set my head, my heart, my tongue on fire." The speaker is completely consumed by his desire for the object of his affection, and he cannot think of anything else.
The second part of the poem represents the middle stage of love, where the speaker experiences the pain and suffering that comes with love. The speaker describes the pain of separation and the longing for the object of his affection. He uses metaphors to describe the pain, saying that it is like a "fever" that consumes him. The speaker also describes the jealousy and insecurity that come with love, saying that he is "jealous of the very air she breathes."
The final part of the poem represents the end of love, where the speaker reflects on the memories of love and the pain of loss. The speaker describes the memories of love as "sweet and bitter," and he reflects on the pain of loss. He uses metaphors to describe the pain, saying that it is like a "wound" that never heals. The speaker also reflects on the inevitability of love's end, saying that "all love's pleasure ends in pain."
Throughout the poem, Donne uses a variety of literary devices to convey the themes of love and loss. One of the most prominent devices is imagery, which he uses to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, in the first part of the poem, he uses imagery to describe the intensity of the speaker's desire, saying that love has "set my head, my heart, my tongue on fire." In the second part of the poem, he uses imagery to describe the pain of separation, saying that it is like a "fever" that consumes him. In the final part of the poem, he uses imagery to describe the pain of loss, saying that it is like a "wound" that never heals.
Donne also uses metaphors throughout the poem to convey the themes of love and loss. For example, in the second part of the poem, he uses the metaphor of a "fever" to describe the pain of separation. In the final part of the poem, he uses the metaphor of a "wound" to describe the pain of loss. These metaphors help to create a sense of emotional depth and complexity in the poem.
Another literary device that Donne uses in the poem is repetition. He repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, he repeats the phrase "love's progress" throughout the poem to emphasize the idea that love is a journey with different stages. He also repeats the phrase "sweet and bitter" to describe the memories of love, emphasizing the idea that love is a complex and multifaceted emotion.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in elegiac couplets, which are pairs of lines in iambic pentameter. This structure gives the poem a sense of formality and elegance, which is appropriate given the subject matter. The use of elegiac couplets also creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the poem, which reflects the idea that love is a journey with different stages.
In conclusion, Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress by John Donne is a beautiful and intricate poem that explores the journey of love from its inception to its ultimate end. The poem is divided into three parts, each representing a different stage in the progression of love. Throughout the poem, Donne uses a variety of literary devices, including imagery, metaphors, and repetition, to convey the themes of love and loss. The structure of the poem, with its use of elegiac couplets, creates a sense of formality and elegance that is appropriate given the subject matter. Overall, Elegy XVIII: Love's Progress is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
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