'Elegy IX: The Autumnal' by John Donne
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No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.
Young beauties force our love, and that's a rape,
This doth but counsel, yet you cannot scape.
If 'twere a shame to love, here 'twere no shame;
Affection here takes reverence's name.
Were her first years the golden age? That's true,
But now she's gold oft tried and ever new.
That was her torrid and inflaming time,
This is her tolerable tropic clime.
Fair eyes, who asks more heat than comes from hence,
He in a fever wishes pestilence.
Call not these wrinkles, graves; if graves they were,
They were Love's graves, for else he is no where.
Yet lies not Love dead here, but here doth sit
Vow'd to this trench, like an anachorit;
And here till hers, which must be his death, come,
He doth not dig a grave, but build a tomb.
Here dwells he; though he sojourn ev'rywhere
In progress, yet his standing house is here:
Here where still evening is, not noon nor night,
Where no voluptuousness, yet all delight.
In all her words, unto all hearers fit,
You may at revels, you at council, sit.
This is Love's timber, youth his underwood;
There he, as wine in June, enrages blood,
Which then comes seasonabliest when our taste
And appetite to other things is past.
Xerxes' strange Lydian love, the platan tree,
Was lov'd for age, none being so large as she,
Or else because, being young, nature did bless
Her youth with age's glory, barrenness.
If we love things long sought, age is a thing
Which we are fifty years in compassing;
If transitory things, which soon decay,
Age must be loveliest at the latest day.
But name not winter faces, whose skin's slack,
Lank as an unthrift's purse, but a soul's sack;
Whose eyes seek light within, for all here's shade;
Whose mouths are holes, rather worn out than made;
Whose every tooth to a several place is gone,
To vex their souls at resurrection:
Name not these living death's-heads unto me,
For these, not ancient, but antique be.
I hate extremes, yet I had rather stay
With tombs than cradles, to wear out a day.
Since such love's natural lation is, may still
My love descend, and journey down the hill,
Not panting after growing beauties. So,
I shall ebb on with them who homeward go.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
John Donne's elegy IX, "The Autumnal," is a beautiful and intricate poem that explores the theme of aging and decay. Written in the late 16th century, the poem is considered a classic of English literature and is admired for its rich imagery, complex metaphors, and emotional depth. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various aspects of this remarkable poem, examining its structure, language, and themes to gain a deeper understanding of Donne's message.
The Structure
"The Autumnal" is a complex poem composed of six stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which creates a sense of symmetry and order. Each stanza is a self-contained unit, but they are linked together by the recurrent themes of autumn, aging, and death.
The Language
Donne's language in "The Autumnal" is rich and evocative, filled with metaphors and symbols that create a vivid and intense picture of the natural world. For example, in the first stanza, he describes autumn as the "year's last, loveliest smile," using personification to give the season a human quality. He also compares the changing colors of the leaves to a "ruddy rainbow," which is a striking and original image. Throughout the poem, Donne uses language to create a sense of movement and change, capturing the essence of the autumnal season.
The Themes
The main theme of "The Autumnal" is the inevitability of aging and decay. Donne uses the changing seasons as a metaphor for the passage of time and the gradual decline of the human body. He describes the leaves falling from the trees, the birds migrating south, and the flowers withering away, all of which symbolize the decay and death that come with advancing age. However, the poem is not just a lament for lost youth and vitality. It also celebrates the beauty and richness of life, even as it moves toward its inevitable conclusion.
The Interpretation
To fully understand "The Autumnal," we need to look beyond its surface meaning and explore its deeper themes and implications. One way to interpret the poem is as a meditation on the transience of life and the need to find meaning in the face of mortality. Donne suggests that even as we age and decay, we can still find joy and purpose in the world around us, and that by embracing the natural rhythms of life, we can come to terms with our own mortality.
Another interpretation is to see the poem as a commentary on the role of art in capturing the fleeting beauty of the world. Through his use of language and imagery, Donne creates a vivid and lasting picture of the autumnal season, preserving its essence for future generations. In this sense, "The Autumnal" can be seen as a work of art in its own right, capturing the beauty and richness of life even as it moves toward its inevitable conclusion.
Conclusion
John Donne's elegy IX, "The Autumnal," is a beautiful and profound poem that explores the themes of aging, decay, and the transience of life. Through his use of language and imagery, Donne creates a vivid and evocative picture of the natural world, capturing the essence of the autumnal season and its implications for human existence. By interpreting the poem in various ways, we can gain a deeper understanding of Donne's message and appreciate the timeless beauty of his work.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Donne's Elegy IX: The Autumnal is a beautiful and melancholic poem that captures the essence of autumn and the inevitability of death. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a description of autumn, which is portrayed as a season of decay and decline. Donne uses vivid imagery to create a sense of desolation and emptiness. He describes the trees as "bare ruined choirs" and the birds as "fledgling lovers" who have lost their passion. The use of the word "choirs" is particularly significant as it suggests that the trees were once full of life and sound, but now they are silent and empty. This image of decay and decline is reinforced by the reference to the "death-bed" of the year, which suggests that autumn is the end of the cycle of life.
As the poem progresses, Donne shifts his focus to the theme of death. He uses the imagery of the "harvest of a quiet eye" to suggest that death is a natural and peaceful process. The phrase "quiet eye" suggests a sense of calm and acceptance, which is further reinforced by the image of the "mellow fruitfulness" of autumn. This image suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something that is part of the natural cycle of life.
Donne also uses the imagery of the "setting sun" to suggest that death is a gradual process. The phrase "setting sun" suggests that death is a slow and steady decline, rather than a sudden and violent event. This image is reinforced by the reference to the "dying day" and the "waning year," which suggest that death is a gradual process that is part of the natural cycle of life.
The theme of death is further explored in the second stanza of the poem, where Donne reflects on his own mortality. He uses the imagery of the "falling leaves" to suggest that he too is part of the natural cycle of life. The phrase "falling leaves" suggests that Donne is in the autumn of his life, and that he too will eventually die. This image is reinforced by the reference to the "last taste of sweets," which suggests that Donne is aware that his time is running out.
Donne also uses the imagery of the "dying embers" to suggest that his life is coming to an end. The phrase "dying embers" suggests that Donne's life is like a fire that is slowly burning out. This image is reinforced by the reference to the "ashes of his youth," which suggests that Donne is aware that his youth is gone and that he is approaching the end of his life.
The theme of death is further explored in the third stanza of the poem, where Donne reflects on the inevitability of death. He uses the imagery of the "worms" and the "dust" to suggest that death is a universal experience. The phrase "worms shall try that long-preserved virginity" suggests that even the most beautiful and pure things will eventually decay and die. This image is reinforced by the reference to the "dust" which suggests that everything will eventually return to the earth.
Donne also uses the imagery of the "worms" to suggest that death is a humbling experience. The phrase "worms shall try" suggests that even the most powerful and important people will eventually be reduced to nothing. This image is reinforced by the reference to the "princes" and the "kings" who will eventually be reduced to "dust."
The poem ends with a reflection on the transience of life. Donne uses the imagery of the "swift-footed time" to suggest that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time we have. The phrase "gather ye rosebuds while ye may" suggests that we should enjoy life while we can, as it will not last forever. This image is reinforced by the reference to the "youthful hue" which suggests that we should enjoy life while we are young and full of energy.
In conclusion, John Donne's Elegy IX: The Autumnal is a beautiful and melancholic poem that captures the essence of autumn and the inevitability of death. The poem explores the themes of decay, decline, and death, using vivid imagery and language to create a sense of desolation and emptiness. However, the poem also suggests that death is a natural and peaceful process, and that we should make the most of the time we have. Overall, the poem is a powerful reflection on the transience of life and the importance of living in the present.
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