Introduction: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
“A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne was first published in 1633, in the posthumous collection “Songs and Sonnets.” The poem is celebrated for its metaphysical conceits and intricate imagery, comparing the separation of two lovers to the quiet parting of virtuous men from their souls. Its defining qualities include the use of paradoxes, such as the idea of a silent yet profound grief, and its exploration of the spiritual dimension of love that transcends physical distance. The poem’s innovative form, an extended metaphor built upon the concept of a compass, further solidifies its place as a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry.
Text: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
As virtuous men pass mildly away,
And whisper to their souls to go,
Whilst some of their sad friends do say
The breath goes now, and some say, No:
So let us melt, and make no noise,
No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move;
‘Twere profanation of our joys
To tell the laity our love.
Moving of th’ earth brings harms and fears,
Men reckon what it did, and meant;
But trepidation of the spheres,
Though greater far, is innocent.
Dull sublunary lovers’ love
(Whose soul is sense) cannot admit
Absence, because it doth remove
Those things which elemented it.
But we by a love so much refined,
That our selves know not what it is,
Inter-assured of the mind,
Care less, eyes, lips, and hands to miss.
Our two souls therefore, which are one,
Though I must go, endure not yet
A breach, but an expansion,
Like gold to airy thinness beat.
If they be two, they are two so
As stiff twin compasses are two;
Thy soul, the fixed foot, makes no show
To move, but doth, if the other do.
And though it in the center sit,
Yet when the other far doth roam,
It leans and hearkens after it,
And grows erect, as that comes home.
Such wilt thou be to me, who must,
Like th’ other foot, obliquely run;
Thy firmness makes my circle just,
And makes me end where I begun.
Annotations: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
| Stanza | Annotation |
| 1 | The poet compares the calm passing of virtuous men to the gentle departure of souls, with friends unsure if the breath has left. This sets a serene and accepting tone for the poem. |
| 2 | Donne advises against loud and dramatic displays of grief at their parting. He believes it would degrade the sanctity of their love to express it to the uninitiated. |
| 3 | He contrasts the physical movements of the earth, which cause fear and harm, with the quiet, profound movements of the spheres (planets), which, despite being more significant, are harmless and unnoticed. |
| 4 | Lovers whose love is based on physical presence cannot endure absence because it removes the tangible elements of their love. Donne describes these as “dull sublunary lovers.” |
| 5 | Their love is so refined and spiritual that even they do not fully comprehend it. They are confident in their mental connection and are not troubled by physical separation. |
| 6 | Donne uses the metaphor of gold beaten thin to describe their love. Their souls, though parted, are one and stretch like gold, becoming even more precious and enduring. |
| 7 | He compares their souls to a pair of compasses, where one foot is fixed while the other moves. Despite the movement, the fixed foot remains steady, symbolizing constancy and loyalty. |
| 8 | The fixed foot (the beloved) leans and listens towards the roaming foot (the poet) and stands erect when the other returns, illustrating the strength and stability in their relationship. |
| 9 | Donne assures that while he must move (travel), the beloved’s steadfastness ensures that their bond remains complete and true, ending where it began, symbolizing an unbroken circle. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
· Alliteration:
- “so let us melt” (line 5) – Repetition of the ‘s’ and ‘l’ sounds creates a soft, mellifluous effect, reinforcing the idea of a gentle parting.
· Anaphora:
- “No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move” (line 6) – Repetition of “no” emphasizes the speaker’s plea for a quiet separation.
· Antithesis:
- “A breach, but an expansion” (line 23) – Juxtaposes contrasting ideas to emphasize the paradoxical nature of their separation.
· Assonance:
- “moving of th’ earth” (line 9) – Repetition of the ‘o’ sound creates a sense of unity and movement.
· Conceit (Extended Metaphor):
- The entire poem is an extended metaphor comparing the lovers’ souls to the legs of a compass.
· Consonance:
- “love so much refined” (line 17) – Repetition of the ‘n’ sound creates a sense of interconnectedness.
· Enjambment:
- “But we by a love so much refined, / That our selves know not what it is” (lines 17-18) – The sentence runs over two lines, creating a sense of continuity and emphasizing the mystery of their love.
· Hyperbole:
- “No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move” (line 6) – Exaggerates the potential emotional outburst to highlight the speaker’s desire for calm.
· Imagery:
- “Moving of th’ earth brings harms and fears” (line 9) – Uses vivid imagery of earthquakes to contrast with the celestial harmony of their love.
· Irony:
- “To tell the laity our love” (line 8) – The speaker ironically suggests that their love is too sacred for ordinary people to understand.
· Metaphor:
- “Like gold to airy thinness beat” (line 24) – Compares the expansion of their love to the malleability of gold.
· Metonymy:
- “Moving of th’ earth” (line 9) – Uses “earth” to represent earthly concerns and disturbances.
· Oxymoron:
- “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” (title) – Combines contradictory terms to suggest a farewell that prohibits grief.
· Paradox:
- “Our two souls therefore, which are one” (line 21) – A contradictory statement highlighting the spiritual unity of the lovers’ souls.
- “But trepidation of the spheres” (line 11) – Attributes human-like trembling to the celestial spheres.
· Rhyme Scheme:
- ABAB CDCD EFEF, etc. (iambic tetrameter)
· Simile:
- “Like gold to airy thinness beat” (line 24)
- “As stiff twin compasses are two” (line 26)
· Symbolism:
- The compass symbolizes the enduring connection between the lovers’ souls.
· Tone:
- Calm, reassuring, confident
· Word Choice (Diction):
- Uses elevated, formal language (“laity,” “profanation”) to convey the sacredness of their love
Themes: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
- Theme 1: The Power of True Love
The poem explores the idea that true love is not affected by physical separation. Donne writes, “Our two souls therefore, which are one, / Though I must go, endure not yet / A breach, but an expansion, / Like gold to airy thinness beat” (lines 21-24). This theme is reinforced when Donne compares the lovers to twin compasses, with one foot fixed and the other roaming, yet always connected (lines 25-36). - Theme 2: The Impermanence of Physical Things
The poem contrasts the impermanence of physical things with the enduring nature of true love. Donne notes that “Dull sublunary lovers’ love / (Whose soul is sense) cannot admit / Absence, because it doth remove / Those things which elemented it” (lines 13-16). In contrast, the speaker and their beloved have a love that is “refined” and not dependent on physical presence (line 17). - Theme 3: The Union of Two Souls
The poem celebrates the union of two souls in love. Donne writes, “Our two souls therefore, which are one, / Though I must go, endure not yet / A breach, but an expansion” (lines 21-23). This theme is reinforced when Donne describes the lovers as “two so / As stiff twin compasses are two” (lines 25-26), emphasizing their connection and unity. - Theme 4: The Enduring Nature of True Love
The poem concludes by emphasizing the enduring nature of true love. Donne writes, “Thy firmness makes my circle just, / And makes me end where I begun” (lines 39-40). This theme is reinforced throughout the poem, as Donne argues that true love is not affected by physical separation or the passage of time. The poem ultimately presents a vision of love as a constant and enduring force.
Literary Theories and “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
| Literary Theory | Reference from the Poem | Critique |
| Metaphysical Poetry | “Our two souls therefore, which are one, / Though I must go, endure not yet / A breach, but an expansion, / Like gold to airy thinness beat” (lines 21-24) | Donne’s use of metaphysical conceits, such as comparing the lovers’ souls to gold, exemplifies this theory. The poem’s complex metaphors and intellectual tone are hallmarks of metaphysical poetry. |
| Renaissance Humanism | “Moving of th’ earth brings harms and fears, / Men reckon what it did, and meant; / But trepidation of the spheres, / Though greater far, is innocent” (lines 9-12) | The poem’s focus on the individual’s emotional experience and the use of classical allusions (e.g., the spheres) reflect Renaissance humanist values. However, the poem’s tone is more introspective and personal than typical humanist works. |
| New Criticism | “As stiff twin compasses are two; / Thy soul, the fixed foot, makes no show / To move, but doth, if the other do” (lines 25-27) | The poem’s use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, as well as its focus on the speaker’s emotional state, make it a prime candidate for New Critical analysis. The poem’s structure and language reinforce the themes of unity and connection. |
Critical Questions about “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
- How does Donne challenge conventional notions of love and separation in “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning”?
- While traditional farewells often involve mourning and lamentation, Donne subverts this expectation by urging his lover to resist outward displays of grief. He argues that their love is so profound that it transcends physical distance, comparing their separation to the quiet parting of souls from virtuous men. This challenges the conventional association of love with physical presence and emotional turmoil, suggesting a more spiritual and enduring connection.
- What is the significance of the compass metaphor in the poem?
- The compass metaphor serves as the central conceit of the poem, providing a complex and multifaceted representation of the lovers’ relationship. The fixed foot symbolizes the steadfastness of one lover, while the moving foot represents the other’s journey. Despite the physical distance, their souls remain connected, mirroring the compass’s two legs that remain tethered even when apart. This metaphor not only illustrates the enduring nature of their love but also emphasizes the interdependence and mutual support within their relationship.
- How does Donne’s use of language and imagery contribute to the poem’s overall effect?
- Donne’s language is rich in metaphysical conceits, paradoxes, and vivid imagery. He contrasts earthly disturbances (“Moving of th’ earth brings harms and fears”) with the celestial harmony of their love (“trepidation of the spheres, / Though greater far, is innocent”). This juxtaposition elevates their love to a spiritual realm, emphasizing its transcendence over mundane concerns. The use of paradoxes, such as “A breach, but an expansion,” further highlights the unique and complex nature of their connection.
- To what extent does the poem reflect Donne’s metaphysical beliefs and poetic style?
- “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” is a prime example of metaphysical poetry, characterized by its intellectual depth, intricate conceits, and exploration of philosophical themes. The poem’s focus on the spiritual dimension of love aligns with Donne’s religious beliefs and his fascination with the interconnectedness of body and soul. The poem’s innovative form, an extended metaphor built upon the concept of a compass, exemplifies Donne’s penchant for intellectual ingenuity and his ability to express complex ideas through unconventional poetic devices.
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
Topic 1: Love and Separation
- Question: How does Donne redefine the conventional understanding of love and separation in “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning”?
- Thesis Statement: In “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” Donne challenges traditional notions of love and separation by portraying a love that transcends physical distance and emotional turmoil, emphasizing the spiritual connection between souls.
Topic 2: The Compass Metaphor
- Question: What is the significance of the compass metaphor in the poem and how does it illuminate the relationship between the lovers?
- Thesis Statement: The compass metaphor serves as a central conceit in “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” symbolizing the enduring connection and interdependence of the lovers’ souls despite physical separation.
Topic 3: Metaphysical Conceits and Imagery
- Question: How does Donne’s use of metaphysical conceits and vivid imagery contribute to the poem’s thematic exploration of love and separation?
- Thesis Statement: Donne’s metaphysical conceits and vivid imagery in “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” elevate the love between the speakers to a spiritual realm, emphasizing its transcendence over earthly concerns and highlighting the paradoxical nature of their connection.
Topic 4: Donne’s Metaphysical Style
- Question: To what extent does “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” reflect Donne’s characteristic metaphysical style and philosophical beliefs?
- Thesis Statement: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” exemplifies Donne’s metaphysical style through its intellectual depth, intricate conceits, and exploration of the spiritual dimension of love, reflecting his belief in the interconnectedness of body and soul.
Literary Works Similar to “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
- “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell
- This poem also explores themes of love and time, employing metaphysical conceits and persuasive arguments to express the speaker’s desire to seize the moment with his beloved.
- “The Good-Morrow” by John Donne
- Another poem by Donne, “The Good-Morrow” delves into the profound connection between lovers, celebrating a spiritual and eternal bond that transcends physical presence.
- “Love’s Philosophy” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Shelley’s poem reflects on the unity and connection inherent in nature, drawing parallels to human relationships and the desire for a harmonious union with a beloved.
- “Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare
- This sonnet discusses the steadfast and unchanging nature of true love, aligning with the themes of enduring affection and constancy present in Donne’s work.
- “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron
- Byron’s poem admires the beauty and grace of the beloved, capturing the awe and reverence similar to Donne’s elevated portrayal of love.
Suggested Readings: “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
Books:
- Carey, John. John Donne: Life, Mind, and Art. Faber and Faber, 2008.
- Smith, A.J. John Donne: Essays in Celebration. Methuen, 1972.
Websites:
- Poetry Foundation. “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning.”
- Academy of American Poets. “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning.” https://poets.org/poem/valediction-forbidding-mourning
Additional Resources:
Representative Quotations from “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Lens |
| “As virtuous men pass mildly away, / And whisper to their souls to go,” | These opening lines set a calm and serene tone, comparing the parting of lovers to the peaceful death of virtuous men. Donne suggests that their separation should be as quiet and undisturbed as this passing. | Metaphysical Lens: This lens highlights Donne’s use of metaphysical conceits, comparing the spiritual aspect of death to the lovers’ separation, emphasizing the transcendental nature of their love. |
| “So let us melt, and make no noise, / No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move;” | Donne advises that their parting should be quiet and dignified, avoiding dramatic expressions of grief that could profane their sacred love. | Stoicism: Through this lens, Donne’s call for restraint and composure reflects Stoic principles of emotional control and rationality in the face of separation. |
| “Moving of th’ earth brings harms and fears, / Men reckon what it did, and meant; / But trepidation of the spheres, / Though greater far, is innocent.” | Here, Donne contrasts the physical disturbances of the earth with the cosmic movements of the spheres, suggesting that their love, though powerful, should not cause earthly turmoil. | Cosmology: Analyzing through this lens, Donne’s comparison of earthly and celestial movements underscores the metaphysical nature of their love, which is aligned with the harmonious and innocent trepidations of the spheres. |
| “Our two souls therefore, which are one, / Though I must go, endure not yet / A breach, but an expansion, / Like gold to airy thinness beat.” | Donne describes their souls as unified and capable of enduring separation, which he views not as a break but as an expansion, using the metaphor of gold beaten thin to illustrate the purity and resilience of their bond. | Metaphysical Lens: This lens highlights Donne’s use of a conceit to elevate the nature of their love, suggesting that their spiritual connection only becomes more refined and extensive with physical distance. |
| “Thy soul, the fixed foot, makes no show / To move, but doth, if th’ other do.” | Donne compares their souls to the legs of a compass, where one leg (the beloved) remains fixed while the other (the speaker) moves, symbolizing steadfastness and unity despite physical separation. | Symbolism: Through this lens, the compass symbolizes constancy and fidelity, with the fixed foot representing the stable presence of the beloved that ensures the completion of the speaker’s journey and return. |
