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  • Essay / Sweet Death: The Concept of Loss in Donne's Poetry

    John Donne's “A Valediction Forbidding Mourning” opens with an acknowledgment of the passing of “virtuous men.” The concept of death, as anchored in the first line, is an extremely striking way to begin a poem. This striking openness is a typical feature of metaphysical poetry. Usually this directness of the subject of death seems surprising, however, by using gentle lexicons such as "lightly", "whisper" and "breath", the reader is immediately put at ease. The word “breath”, in particular, suggests a peaceful passage thanks to the subtle “th” phonology which creates a calming and reassuring effect. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay The poetic voice does not want to disrespect or ruin the love that exists between him and his lover, therefore declares that “noise” and “rip” – flooding is not permitted. The refusal to show his emotions may suggest his confidence in their love, because he thinks it will be painless for them to part ways. However, it could also suggest that the poetic voice is denying the idea of ​​parting with their lover and is trying to convince themselves that it will have no effect on either of them. The third stanza effectively displays the strength that exists between the two lovers, using the images of the "Movement of the earth" and the "disquiet of the spheres." As the opening point of stanza 3, the image of the "movement of the earth" suggests a superhuman power, which gives the lovers superiority over the rest of the world. The impossibility of the image could also suggest that they would go to extreme lengths to be together. This is a heartwarming concept because it shows that they will both make an effort to make their relationship work. Even the constant movements of the "spheres" have no effect on the "innocent" lovers, whose love remains despite their separation. None of the lovers “knows what it is” that makes their love work. This “stranger” presents their love as a natural instinct rather than a feeling that needs to be explained. It makes it seem like they're meant to be. The term “inter-insured” also implies that they are connected. The word itself serves as a reminder that it is related and the word “assured” also creates a form of reassurance from the reader’s point of view. This connection is further developed in the next stanza where the poetic voice declares: “Our two souls are therefore one.” It's a paradoxical idea that works because it exaggerates the connection and union between the two lovers, who in reality are separate people. The "two souls" that belong together can also reflect the romantic idea of ​​being soulmates. This romantic idea suggests that the two lovers are meant to be and belong together. Donne uses the conceit of “twin compasses” to express the stability of their relationship. This image is effective as the “fixed foot”, but it also contributes to exaggerating the image of stability since the word “fixed” suggests solidarity and something permanent. Using compasses as a geographic conceit helps draw attention to the idea of ​​being directed on the right path, which works effectively with the concept of soulmates, as previously suggested. The symbiotic phrase: “If there are two, then there are two” can also suggest the equality and stability that exists within the relationship. The end of the poem is particularly reassuring because the subject revolves around the return of the two lovers. each other. The end of the penultimate stanza focuses on the phrase “come home,” which foregrounds the final stanza. In the final stanza, the word “circle” informs the reader with acyclical image and as it is followed by "And makes me end where I started", it creates a feeling of certainty that he will return. For this reason, the poem ends on a positive note and leaves the reader with hope for a happy ending. In "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning", the majority of the comfort in the poem comes from the poetic voice's confident demonstrations and descriptions of love for its lover, as well as the positive prospect of returning to each other which is heavily focused, especially at the end. Readers can also find some consolation in Donne's poem "A Valediction of Weeping," which deals with the departure of her lover's poetic voice. He focuses on the extreme misery that the separation will cause to both partners, but at the same time he also tries to console her. The opening phrase “Let me pour out the fourth” allows the poetic voice to state that he wants to relieve himself by getting things off his chest. The phrase “Let me” allows Donne to emphasize that he needs to express his emotions. Water references; The “pours”, the “tears”, the “waters”, the “seas” which exist throughout the poem contribute to exaggerating this outpouring of emotions announced in the first stanza. From the reader's perspective, the suggestion to cry may seem consoling, because expressing one's emotions openly is part of the healing process. Donne uses some interesting ideas in the opening of the poem, one of which seems reassuring. Comparing a coin with his lover's tears, "your seal which they bear", shows that it will always be imprinted on him. The use of currency also creates a feeling of value and preciousness. Coins are also often considered to be aged and durable objects. This may suggest that there is no end to their love because it is so resilient, which in itself is a reassuring idea. The stanza ends with the phrase “diverse shore,” suggesting vast distance and emptiness, and she explains that they are “nothing” when separated. This is exaggerated by the placement of the word "shore", which is isolated and placed alone on a line. In contrast to the exaggerated distance and solitude, the phonology of “shore” creates a calming and comforting effect, especially since it is an onomatopoeia of the ocean. Similarly to Donne's other poem, "A Valediction of Forbidden Mourning", there is a pattern of circles and rounds in the poem which help to create a feeling of returning to each other. The words “round ball”, “globe” and “world” all help to demonstrate the journey that the poetic voice takes. “Pregnant” is also a word used that creates an image of roundness. On top of that, it gives some insight into their future, suggesting that they could eventually start a family of their own. Power is given to the subject of the poem, whose tears “mix” with his own “overflow of this world”. This hyperbole creates an image that presents the two lovers together as very powerful, especially when they are upset, as their tears are said to have a great effect on the world. The simile of her lover as "O more than the Moon" is also a powerful image because of its suggestion that she is "more" than something so essential and important. The effect his lover can have on him is manifested through his ability to “raise the seas to drown me”. Not only does this suggest a life-or-death control over the poetic voice, illustrated through the lexicon of "drowned" and "death" in the following line, but it also helps to support Donne's concept of undertaking a journey to across the seas. of the poem, although it revolves around death, can be seen as a form of comfort since it is stated that "you and I.