'Witchcraft By A Picture' by John Donne
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I fix mine eye on thine, and there
Pity my picture burning in thine eye;
My picture drowned in a transparent tear,
When I look lower I espy.
Hadst thou the wicked skill
By pictures made and mard, to kill,
How many ways mightst thou perform thy will?
But now I have drunk thy sweet salt tears,
And though thou pour more I'll depart;
My picture vanished, vanish fears
That I can be endamaged by that art;
Though thou retain of me
One picture more, yet that will be,
Being in thine own heart, from all malice free.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Witchcraft By A Picture: A Critical Interpretation
John Donne's poem, "Witchcraft By A Picture," is a masterful work of art that explores the power and allure of visual representation. Through careful language and vivid imagery, Donne invites readers to contemplate the ways in which images can captivate and enchant us, leading us down paths that we might not have otherwise taken.
At its heart, "Witchcraft By A Picture" is a poem about the dangers of obsession and the seductive power of the imagination. Through a series of striking visual metaphors, Donne explores the ways in which we can be drawn into an imaginary world, losing sight of reality and becoming trapped in our own desires and illusions.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem opens with an invocation of the senses, as Donne describes the image that has captured his imagination:
I fix mine eye on thine, and there Pity my picture burning in thine eye; My picture drowned in a transparent tear, When I look lower I espy; Hadst thou the wicked skill By pictures made and mard to kill, How many ways mightst thou perform thy will!
Here, Donne speaks of fixing his eye on the image of his beloved, and he imagines that his own image is reflected in her eyes. The use of the word "fix" suggests a kind of fixation or obsession, as though the speaker is unable to tear his gaze away from the image before him. He describes his own image as "burning" in his beloved's eyes, suggesting both intensity and passion.
However, Donne also introduces a note of sadness and loss into the poem, as he speaks of his image being "drowned in a transparent tear." This image suggests that his beloved is weeping, and that her tears are destroying the image that he sees in her eyes. The line "When I look lower I espy" suggests that the speaker is looking down from a great height, perhaps from a high tower or window, and that he is able to see not only his own image, but also the world around him.
In the next stanza, Donne explores the idea that images can be used to manipulate and control others:
But now I have drunk thy sweet salt tears, And though thou pour more, I'll depart; My picture vanished, vanish fears That I can be endamaged by that art; Though thou retain of me One picture more, yet that will be, Being in thine own heart, from all malice free.
Here, Donne suggests that he has been swayed by his beloved's tears, but that he will not allow himself to be controlled by her image. He insists that he will "depart" despite her tears, and that his own image will vanish along with his fears. The use of the word "vanish" suggests a kind of magic or enchantment, as though the image is not simply disappearing, but is being dissolved by some supernatural force.
Donne also introduces the idea that images can be both dangerous and liberating. He suggests that his beloved could use her image-making skills to "perform thy will," or to manipulate and control him. However, he also suggests that images can be used for good, and that his own image, retained in his beloved's heart, will be "from all malice free." This suggests that images can be a source of comfort and inspiration, as well as a means of control and domination.
In the final stanza, Donne returns to the theme of obsession and imagination, as he describes the way in which the image of his beloved has captured his imagination:
But thou wilt not, nor he will not be Content with a picture's thought; He and thou are like things, not thee. And thus I'll make, and perish too, A shrine to such a ragged fame, As he in whom all ill well shows, Deserve our pity more than those, Because he knows his true-love's face.
Here, Donne suggests that his beloved and her image are not the same thing, but are like "things" that exist separately. This suggests that the image is not simply a reflection of his beloved, but is something that has taken on a life of its own. He speaks of making a "shrine" to this image, suggesting a kind of religious devotion or worship.
However, Donne also acknowledges the danger of this kind of obsession, suggesting that he will "perish" as a result of his devotion. The use of the word "ragged" suggests that the fame that he seeks is not real or substantial, but is instead flimsy and ephemeral. And yet, the final lines of the poem suggest that this kind of devotion is ultimately worthwhile, because it allows us to know and appreciate the true beauty of our beloveds.
Conclusion
In "Witchcraft By A Picture," John Donne explores the power of images to captivate and enchant us, leading us down paths that we might not have otherwise taken. Through vivid metaphors and careful language, he invites us to contemplate the ways in which images can both inspire and control us, and he encourages us to be wary of the dangers of obsession and the seductive power of the imagination.
This poem is a masterful work of art, and it speaks to some of the deepest and most profound aspects of human experience. It reminds us that the world is full of wonder and enchantment, but that we must be careful not to lose ourselves in our own illusions and desires. Above all, it reminds us of the power of love and the beauty of devotion, urging us to cherish and celebrate the true beauty of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Witchcraft By A Picture: A Masterpiece of John Donne
John Donne, the famous metaphysical poet, is known for his unique style of writing that combines wit, intellect, and emotion. His poem "Witchcraft By A Picture" is a masterpiece that showcases his exceptional talent. The poem is a complex and intricate work that requires careful analysis to fully appreciate its beauty and meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker admiring a portrait of his beloved. He describes her beauty in vivid detail, using metaphors and similes to convey his admiration. He compares her to a "new-made star," a "bright constellation," and a "rich jewel." The speaker is clearly smitten with the woman in the portrait, and his words are filled with passion and desire.
However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts from one of admiration to one of suspicion and fear. The speaker begins to see the portrait as a source of danger, a symbol of witchcraft. He describes the woman's eyes as "two planets of malignant fate," and her lips as "the gates of hell." He becomes convinced that the portrait is a tool of the devil, and that it has the power to control his thoughts and actions.
The poem is filled with references to witchcraft and the supernatural. The speaker describes the woman in the portrait as a "witch," and compares her to the mythical figure of Circe, who was known for her ability to turn men into animals. He also mentions the "magic" of the portrait, and suggests that it has the power to "bewitch" him.
At its core, "Witchcraft By A Picture" is a poem about the power of art and the human imagination. The speaker is so deeply affected by the portrait that he begins to see it as a living, breathing entity with the power to control his thoughts and emotions. He becomes convinced that the woman in the portrait is a witch, and that she has the power to cast spells on him.
The poem is also a commentary on the nature of love and desire. The speaker is clearly infatuated with the woman in the portrait, but his feelings are tinged with fear and suspicion. He is afraid of being controlled by his emotions, and he sees the portrait as a symbol of his vulnerability.
In many ways, "Witchcraft By A Picture" is a poem about the human condition. It explores the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions, and the ways in which we are influenced by the world around us. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
In conclusion, "Witchcraft By A Picture" is a masterpiece of John Donne's poetry. It is a complex and multi-layered work that explores themes of love, desire, fear, and the power of art. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, and it is a testament to Donne's skill as a poet. It is a work that continues to captivate and inspire readers, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
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