Discussion Topic
Analysis of metaphysical elements in "The Sun Rising" by John Donne
Summary:
"The Sun Rising" by John Donne incorporates metaphysical elements through its use of elaborate metaphors and intellectual wit. Donne personifies the sun and engages in a philosophical argument about love's power over time and space, blending physical and spiritual realms. The poem's conceit and paradoxes are characteristic of metaphysical poetry, emphasizing the unity and supremacy of the lovers' world.
What are the features of metaphysical poetry in "The Sun Rising"?
In the poem “The Sun Rising” by English poet John Donne, the features of metaphysical poetry are quite apparent. First, Donne is engaging in an intellectual but conjectural conversation with the Sun. The Sun cannot respond to him and does not acknowledge any kind of communication with a human being. This is what is to be expected, hence this one-way conversation of the heart and mind between a living being and a celestial object. This is typical of metaphysical poetry, pondering things beyond humankind’s reach, things that seem so magnificent and awe-inspiring.
Another feature of metaphysical poems is the religious aspect to many of them. An example of this is John Donne’s poem “A Hymn to God the Father.” There is an allusion to religion and holiness in “The Sun Rising” with the line “Thy beams so reverend, and strong.” Donne is setting the sun’s...
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rays on a higher plane here, calling them venerated in a sense. Metaphysical poetry often tackles the great questions in life through the avenue of religion and religious thought. It is common for metaphysical poetry to contemplate the supernatural.
Another feature of metaphysical poetry is philosophical discussions of grand themes, such as Love, Death, War, and so on. In “The Sun Rising,” Love is brought to the forefront. Donne asks “Must to thy motions lovers’ seasons run?” He is saying that the sun controls time and seasons and that we follow its dictates in this. The sun marks time as we live and love on this earth.
Another feature of metaphysical poetry is that it contemplates man’s place in the universe. It often makes us see ourselves as something less than what we think we are - our lives superimposed over the vast and limitless expanse of space. It causes us to ask questions of why we are here and what our ultimate destiny is. There is an abstract, ethereal or otherworldly quality to metaphysical poetry.
How is "The Sun Rising" by John Donne a metaphysical poem?
The characteristic feature of a metaphysical poem is a conceit. This is an extended, elaborate metaphor that makes an often fanciful comparison between two radically different things. In the case of "The Sun Rising" by John Donne, we see a perfect illustration of the use of the conceit. In this case, it's the eponymous rising sun.
In most poems, the rising sun is presented as a very welcome sight, something to be celebrated as the harbinger of a new day. But not here. In "The Sun Rising" the speaker positively resents the sun peeping through his windows and curtains. He's in bed with his lover and, not unreasonably, he'd rather remain in that condition for some time to come, thank you very much.
What he doesn't need is some prying old busybody—a "Saucy, pedantic wretch," as Donne calls him—to come along and spoil his fun. Instead of bugging the speaker and his lover, the sun should be out bothering schoolboys and apprentices instead. After all, they do need to get out of bed at the crack of dawn.
The idea of the sun, a feature of the natural world that most people are more than happy to welcome first thing in the morning, being a bit of a spoilsport by reminding the speaker and his lover that it's time for them to get up from their lazy bed is a prime example of Donne's humorous and ever so typically metaphysical use of the conceit.
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