A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

John Donne's poem "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" is a metaphysical love poem that was written in 1611 or 1612 for his wife Anne before he left on a trip to Continental Europe. The poem is a meditation on the nature of love and separation, and it uses a number of conceits to explore the speaker's complex emotions.

The poem begins with the speaker comparing the parting of lovers to the death of a virtuous man. He argues that both events should be met with a calm and dignified acceptance, rather than with tears and sorrow. The speaker then goes on to compare the love between himself and his wife to a pair of compasses. Just as the two points of a compass are always connected, even when they are separated, so too are the speaker and his wife always connected by their love.

The speaker then uses a number of other conceits to explore the nature of love and separation. He compares love to a "sphere" that is "unmoving" and "entire," even when it is divided into two parts. He also compares love to a "fire" that is "never spent," even when it is separated from its source.

The poem ends with the speaker urging his wife not to mourn his absence. He argues that their love is too strong to be broken by distance, and that they will be reunited soon enough.

"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" is a complex and beautiful poem that explores the nature of love and separation. The poem is full of Donne's characteristic wit and wordplay, and it uses a number of conceits to create a powerful and moving image of love.

Themes

The poem explores a number of themes, including:

The nature of love

The power of separation

The importance of faith

The continuity of life

Symbolism

The poem uses a number of symbols to convey its meaning, including:

The compasses: These represent the speaker and his wife, and their ever-present connection.

The sphere: This represents the speaker's ideal of love, which is perfect and unchanging.

The fire: This represents the speaker's passion for his wife, which is never extinguished.

Style

The poem is written in a metaphysical style, which is characterized by its use of conceits, wit, and wordplay. The poem is also characterized by its use of imagery and symbolism.

Critical reception

"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" is one of Donne's most famous and well-respected poems. It has been praised for its beauty, its wit, and its exploration of the nature of love. The poem has been translated into many languages and has been adapted into a number of different works, including a ballet and a film.

Conclusion

"A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" is a complex and beautiful poem that explores the nature of love and separation. The poem is full of Donne's characteristic wit and wordplay, and it uses a number of conceits to create a powerful and moving image of love. The poem is a testament to Donne's skill as a poet, and it continues to be read and admired by readers today.