'Apparition , The' by John Donne


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When by thy scorn, O murd'ress, I am dead
And that thou think'st thee free
From all solicitation from me,
Then shall my ghost come to thy bed,
And thee, feign'd vestal, in worse arms shall see;
Then thy sick taper will begin to wink,
And he, whose thou art then, being tir'd before,
Will, if thou stir, or pinch to wake him, think
Thou call'st for more,
And in false sleep will from thee shrink;
And then, poor aspen wretch, neglected thou
Bath'd in a cold quicksilver sweat wilt lie
A verier ghost than I.
What I will say, I will not tell thee now,
Lest that preserve thee; and since my love is spent,
I'had rather thou shouldst painfully repent,
Than by my threat'nings rest still innocent.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Apparition: A Closer Look into John Donne's Poetic Genius

What makes John Donne's poetry so special? What sets him apart from other poets of his time? These are questions that have intrigued literary scholars for centuries. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at one of Donne's most famous poems, "Apparition," and explore the unique style and themes that make his poetry so compelling.

Background

John Donne was born into a Catholic family in 1572 and grew up in a time of religious conflict and political turmoil. His early life was marked by a series of personal tragedies, including the deaths of his father, brother, and wife. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his worldview and influenced his poetry.

Donne's poetry is known for its metaphysical themes and complex use of language. He was deeply interested in the workings of the human mind and the mysteries of the universe. His poetry often explores themes of love, death, and spirituality, and his use of metaphysical conceits - elaborate comparisons between seemingly unrelated things - is a hallmark of his style.

"Apparition": An Analysis

"Apparition" is a short but powerful poem that explores the themes of love and loss. The poem begins with the speaker describing a vision he has had of his former lover. He describes her as a ghostly figure, appearing to him in the middle of the night. He is struck by her beauty, even in death, and he longs to be with her again.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the speaker's sense of longing and melancholy. The use of the word "apparition" in the title and first line of the poem creates a sense of otherworldliness and suggests that the speaker's experience is not entirely real.

The second stanza of the poem describes the physical appearance of the apparition. The speaker describes her as "pale," "cold," and "untrue." This language creates a sense of unease and suggests that the speaker's feelings for his former lover are not entirely positive. The use of the word "untrue" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker feels betrayed by his former lover in some way.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes his desire to be with the apparition, even in death. He longs to be "embroiled in some wild ecstasy" with her once again. This language is passionate and intense, and it suggests that the speaker's love for his former lover is not entirely rational.

The final stanza of the poem is a rejection of the speaker's desire. The apparition speaks to him, telling him that he cannot join her in death. She tells him that he must "go love elsewhere" and that he will find "a fairer face." This language is harsh and final, and it suggests that the speaker's love for his former lover is ultimately futile.

Interpretation

There are many ways to interpret "Apparition," and the poem has been the subject of much scholarly debate over the years. Here are a few possible interpretations:

1. The poem is a reflection of Donne's own personal experiences.

Given Donne's own experiences with loss and grief, it is possible to interpret "Apparition" as a reflection of his own personal feelings. The poem could be seen as a meditation on the nature of love and the ways in which it can haunt us long after a relationship has ended.

2. The poem is a commentary on the dangers of obsession.

The speaker's intense desire for the apparition could be seen as a warning against the dangers of obsession. The poem suggests that the speaker's love for his former lover is not entirely healthy, and that his desire to be with her in death is ultimately misguided. The apparition's rejection of the speaker's desire could be seen as a rejection of his unhealthy obsession.

3. The poem is a critique of traditional love poetry.

Donne was known for his rejection of traditional love poetry, which he saw as overly sentimental and unrealistic. "Apparition" could be seen as a critique of this type of poetry, with the speaker's intense desire for the apparition being seen as an example of the kind of unrealistic and unhealthy love that traditional love poetry often celebrates.

Conclusion

"Apparition" is a powerful and complex poem that explores the themes of love and loss in a unique and compelling way. The poem's use of metaphysical conceits and complex language make it a hallmark of Donne's style, and its themes continue to resonate with readers today. Whether interpreted as a reflection of Donne's own personal experiences, a warning against the dangers of obsession, or a critique of traditional love poetry, "Apparition" is a testament to Donne's poetic genius and his enduring relevance as a literary figure.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Apparition, written by John Donne, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that has been analyzed and studied by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike, and for good reason. The poem is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry, and it is a testament to Donne's skill as a poet.

The poem is a meditation on the nature of love and the power of poetry. It is a poem that explores the relationship between the poet and his muse, and it is a poem that celebrates the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his muse, asking her to appear to him in a vision. He asks her to come to him in the form of a poem, to inspire him and to guide him in his writing. The speaker is clearly in awe of his muse, and he recognizes the power that she holds over him.

The muse, in turn, responds to the speaker's request, appearing to him in a vision. She takes the form of a poem, and she speaks to the speaker in a voice that is both powerful and seductive. She tells him that she is the embodiment of all that he desires, and she promises to guide him in his writing.

The poem is filled with rich imagery and metaphors, and it is a testament to Donne's skill as a poet. The language is dense and complex, and it requires careful analysis to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the poem.

One of the key themes of the poem is the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience. The speaker recognizes that poetry has the ability to transcend time and space, and to capture the essence of human emotion and experience. He sees his muse as the embodiment of this power, and he recognizes that she holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the human heart.

Another key theme of the poem is the relationship between the poet and his muse. The speaker is clearly in awe of his muse, and he recognizes the power that she holds over him. He sees her as a source of inspiration and guidance, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to please her.

The muse, in turn, is portrayed as a powerful and seductive figure. She is the embodiment of all that the speaker desires, and she promises to guide him in his writing. She is a figure of mystery and intrigue, and she holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the human heart.

Overall, The Poetry Apparition is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry. It is a poem that explores the relationship between the poet and his muse, and it celebrates the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience. It is a poem that has stood the test of time, and it is a testament to Donne's skill as a poet.

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