'A Valediction: Of Weeping' by John Donne


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Let me pour forth
My tears before thy face, whilst I stay here,
For thy face coins them, and thy stamp they bear,
And by this mintage they are something worth,
For thus they be
Pregnant of thee;
Fruits of much grief they are, emblems of more;
When a tear falls that, thou falls which it bore,
So thou and I are nothing then, when on a divers shore.On a round ball
A workman, that hath copies by, can lay
An Europe, Afrique, and an Asia,
And quickly make that, which was nothing, All;
So doth each tear,
Which thee doth wear,
A globe, yea world, by that impression grow,
Till thy tears mixed with mine do overflow
This world-by waters sent from thee, my heaven dissolved so.O more than moon,
Draw not up seas to drown me in thy sphere,
Weep me not dead, in thine armes, but forbear
To teach the sea what it may do too soon;
Let not the wind
Example find,
To do me more harm than it purposeth;
Since thou and I sigh one another's breath,
Who e'er sighs most is cruellest, and hastes the other's death.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Criticism and Interpretation: "A Valediction: Of Weeping" by John Donne

John Donne's "A Valediction: Of Weeping" is a beautiful poem that explores the complexities of human emotions, particularly grief and love. Written in the seventeenth century, this poem still speaks to readers today, reminding us of the timeless nature of human experience.

Summary

The poem begins by describing the speaker's tears, which are falling due to his separation from his lover. He tells his lover not to weep for him, as their love is not based on physical proximity but rather on a deeper, spiritual connection. The speaker then goes on to compare their love to a virtuous man's soul, which is not bound to his body but rather exists independently. He tells his lover that their love will remain strong even when they are physically apart, and that they will be reunited in the afterlife.

Analysis

One of the striking things about this poem is its use of extended metaphors. The speaker compares his love to a virtuous man's soul, which is a metaphor that is both beautiful and profound. This comparison suggests that the love between the speaker and his lover is not just a physical attraction or a passing emotion, but rather something that is deeply spiritual and enduring.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which it explores the idea of separation. The speaker is physically separated from his lover, but he suggests that their love is not bound by physical proximity. This idea is expressed through the metaphor of the virtuous man's soul, which is not limited by the body. The implication here is that while the speaker and his lover may be physically apart, their love is still present and strong.

The poem also contains a strong sense of consolation. The speaker tells his lover not to weep for him, suggesting that their love will endure even in the face of separation. This idea is further reinforced through the imagery of the afterlife, which suggests that the speaker and his lover will be reunited in a spiritual sense.

Interpretation

At its core, "A Valediction: Of Weeping" is a poem about the enduring nature of love. The speaker suggests that love is not just a passing emotion or a physical attraction, but rather something that is deeply spiritual and enduring. This idea is expressed through the metaphor of the virtuous man's soul, which suggests that love is not just physical but also spiritual.

The poem also explores the idea of separation, suggesting that physical distance does not necessarily mean the end of a relationship. The speaker suggests that love can endure even in the face of separation, and that the spiritual connection between two people can transcend physical boundaries.

Overall, "A Valediction: Of Weeping" is a beautiful and deeply moving poem that speaks to the timeless nature of human experience. Its timeless themes of love, separation, and spiritual connection continue to resonate with readers today, making it a true classic of English literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Donne's "A Valediction: Of Weeping" is a classic poem that explores the theme of separation and the power of love. The poem is a valediction, which means a farewell speech or poem, and it is addressed to the speaker's lover who is weeping at their impending separation. The poem is a beautiful and poignant expression of the depth of love and the pain of separation.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with nine lines. The first stanza begins with the speaker addressing his lover, who is weeping at their separation. The speaker tells his lover not to weep, as their separation is only temporary. He compares their separation to the separation of the soul from the body, which is only temporary and will be reunited in the afterlife. The speaker uses this metaphor to reassure his lover that their separation is not permanent and that they will be reunited in the future.

The second stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the power of love. The speaker tells his lover that their love is so strong that it can transcend physical distance and time. He compares their love to a compass, which always points towards the beloved, no matter where they are. The speaker uses this metaphor to show that their love is not limited by physical distance or time, but is eternal and unchanging.

The third and final stanza of the poem is a beautiful expression of the depth of the speaker's love for his lover. The speaker tells his lover that their love is so strong that it can even overcome death. He compares their love to gold, which can be stretched and beaten into thin sheets without losing its value. The speaker uses this metaphor to show that their love is not fragile or fleeting, but is strong and enduring.

Overall, "A Valediction: Of Weeping" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the theme of separation and the power of love. The poem is a testament to the depth of love and the pain of separation, and it is a beautiful expression of the human experience. The poem is a classic example of John Donne's poetry, which is known for its metaphysical themes and complex imagery. The poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and wants to explore the depths of human emotion.

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