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   ms-mcgregor Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   This poem is known for the use of the metaphysical conceit. The are especially complex and clever comparisons that make surprising connection between two things which at first seem very dissimilar. For example, in lines 25-28, Donne compares a husband and wife two the two legs of a compass. While the comparison may seem odd at first, Donne's purpose is to show that one spouse remains fixed while the other circles around him of her. He also compares he and his wife to virtuous men who die peacefully and quietly, without tears ( lines 1-8), and the poet's love is compared to the movements of planets ( lines 9-16). The purpose of these comparisons is to describe the love between himself and his wife as a union so complete, nothing can separate them.

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   Posted by ms-mcgregor on Tuesday December 9, 2008 at 1:15 PM