Introduction to Non- African Poetry- "The Good Morrow" by John Donne. - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Background and Setting of the Poet/Poem

John Donne was an English poet and member of the metaphysical school of poetry. He was born in London in 1572 and died in 1631. Donne's poetry is known for its intellectual wit, its use of paradox and metaphor, and its exploration of religious and philosophical themes.

"The Good Morrow" was first published in Donne's collection Songs and Sonnets in 1633. The poem is set in the bedroom of the speaker and his lover, on a morning after they have spent the night together.

Background of the Poem-subject-matter/summary

The subject matter of "The Good Morrow" is love. The speaker is reflecting on the nature of his love for his lover and how it has transformed him. He realizes that their love is not just a physical attraction, but a deep and spiritual connection. He also realizes that their love has made him a better person.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover directly. He tells her that their love has awakened him from a deep sleep and that he now sees the world in a new light. He then goes on to describe how their love has made him more aware of the beauty and wonder in the world around him.

In the second quatrain, the speaker compares their love to the sun. He says that their love is just as bright and warm as the sun, and that it has the power to dispel the darkness of the night.

In the third quatrain, the speaker compares their love to a compass. He says that their love guides him and helps him to find his way in the world.

In the final couplet, the speaker expresses his gratitude for his lover's love. He says that he is truly blessed to have her in his life.

Effective use of poetic devices/Techniques

Donne uses a variety of poetic devices in "The Good Morrow," including:

Imagery: Donne uses vivid imagery to describe his love for his lover. For example, he compares her to the sun, a compass, and a world.
Metaphor: Donne uses metaphors to compare his love to other things, such as the sun and a compass. This helps the reader to understand the depth and complexity of his love.
Paradox: Donne uses paradoxes to express the contradictory nature of love. For example, he says that his love "is at an end" and "is not at an end." This paradox shows that love is both fleeting and eternal.
Personification: Donne personifies the sun in the second quatrain. He says that the sun "hath kissed her." This personification helps the reader to understand the power and intensity of the speaker's love.

Effective use of image Introductory/symbolism

Donne uses a variety of images and symbols in "The Good Morrow," including:

The sun: The sun is a symbol of love, light, and warmth. Donne compares his love to the sun to show how bright, warm, and powerful it is.
The compass: The compass is a symbol of guidance and direction. Donne compares his love to a compass to show how it guides him and helps him to find his way in the world.
The world: The world is a symbol of possibility and opportunity. Donne compares his love to the world to show how it has opened up his world and given him new possibilities.

Conclusion

"The Good Morrow" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the nature of love. Donne's use of poetic devices and imagery helps the reader to understand the depth and intensity of the speaker's love. The poem is a celebration of love and its power to transform us.