A Valediction Forbidden Mourning
Donovan Gaillard
Professor Name
Class Name
10 March 2014
A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning by John Donne
In 1572, John Donne, an English poet was born in London, England in the year 1572.Due to his family believing in the Roman Catholic Tradition; he attended Trinity College at a very young age. Because of this tradition, John displayed the knowledge and laws of religion in majority of his works. However, in 1621, he converted to the Church of England, taking up teaching, thus becoming a famous preacher. Five years later he was appointed in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London Dean. Because of this knowledge and charismatic character, he was easily one of the most influential people in London. Throughout his works, John became known as the founder of the Metaphysical poetry; using vivid images and extended metaphors to portray thoughts and feelings. This theory also uses philosophy and religious as a platform, working in imagery from art as well. John Donne preferred to write poetry with strong rhythm, intense language, strange and bold imagination.
‘A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning’ is known as one of John’s calmest and understanding poems. Considering the fact that his marriage was not accepted by his father in law, the thought of distance between two lovers really occurred in his life. That allows this poem to have a universalized personal experience that he conveyed to his readers. The principal theme of the poem is that lovers remain united even when they are physically separated. Donne proves his idea by argument, conceits, passion, and thought. It is believed that Donne left for France in 1611. He gave this poem to his wife at the time of his departure.
The poet advises his wife not to mourn the temporary separation, because their love remains intact despite their parting. In fact, parting brings their souls even closer. A truer, more refined love, Donne explains that it comes from a connection at the mind, with less concentration of physical attraction.
Professor Name
Class Name
10 March 2014
A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning by John Donne
In 1572, John Donne, an English poet was born in London, England in the year 1572.Due to his family believing in the Roman Catholic Tradition; he attended Trinity College at a very young age. Because of this tradition, John displayed the knowledge and laws of religion in majority of his works. However, in 1621, he converted to the Church of England, taking up teaching, thus becoming a famous preacher. Five years later he was appointed in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London Dean. Because of this knowledge and charismatic character, he was easily one of the most influential people in London. Throughout his works, John became known as the founder of the Metaphysical poetry; using vivid images and extended metaphors to portray thoughts and feelings. This theory also uses philosophy and religious as a platform, working in imagery from art as well. John Donne preferred to write poetry with strong rhythm, intense language, strange and bold imagination.
‘A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning’ is known as one of John’s calmest and understanding poems. Considering the fact that his marriage was not accepted by his father in law, the thought of distance between two lovers really occurred in his life. That allows this poem to have a universalized personal experience that he conveyed to his readers. The principal theme of the poem is that lovers remain united even when they are physically separated. Donne proves his idea by argument, conceits, passion, and thought. It is believed that Donne left for France in 1611. He gave this poem to his wife at the time of his departure.
The poet advises his wife not to mourn the temporary separation, because their love remains intact despite their parting. In fact, parting brings their souls even closer. A truer, more refined love, Donne explains that it comes from a connection at the mind, with less concentration of physical attraction.