Non- African Poetry- "The Good Morrow" by John Donne. - SS2 Literature Past Questions and Answers - page 1

The speaker's relationship to his lover in "The Good Morrow" is one of deep love, respect, and admiration. He sees her as his equal and his soulmate. He is grateful for her love and feels that it has transformed him into a better person.

In the first stanza, the speaker addresses his lover directly and asks her what they did before they met. He says that they must have been "asleep" and that their love has awakened them to a new reality. This metaphor suggests that the speaker's love for his lover has opened his eyes to the beauty and wonder of the world around him.

In the second stanza, the speaker compares his love to the sun and a compass. He says that their love is just as bright and warm as the sun, and that it guides him and helps him to find his way in the world. These images suggest that the speaker's love gives him a sense of direction and purpose. It also suggests that the speaker's love is reliable and constant.

In the third stanza, the speaker expresses his gratitude for his lover's love. He says that he is truly blessed to have her in his life. He also says that their love is a gift from God, and that it is something that they should cherish. This stanza concludes the poem by reaffirming the theme of love's importance. The speaker's love for his lover is the most precious thing in his life.

The speaker's love for his lover transforms him in a number of ways. First, it makes him more aware of the beauty and wonder in the world around him. Second, it gives him a sense of direction and purpose. Third, it makes him a better person. He is more grateful and appreciative of life, and he is more willing to give to others.

The speaker's relationship to his lover is a model of ideal love. Their love is based on mutual respect, admiration, and gratitude. It is a love that has transformed them both into better people.