Non- African Poetry- "The Good Morrow" by John Donne. - SS2 Literature Past Questions and Answers - page 1
Which of the following is NOT a theme of John Donne's poem "The Good Morrow"?
Love
Transformation
Immortality
War
What does the speaker compare his love to in the second stanza?
The sun
A compass
A world
All of the above
What poetic device does Donne use in the line "If they be two, they are two so / As stiff twin compasses are two"?
Metaphor
Paradox
Personification
Simile
What is the speaker's tone in the poem?
Celebratory
Reflective
Grateful
All of the above
What is the overall message of the poem?
Love is the most important thing in life.
Love can transform us.
Love is eternal.
All of the above
Analyze the use of imagery and symbolism in John Donne's poem "The Good Morrow." How does Donne use these literary devices to convey the theme of love's transformative power?
In John Donne's poem "The Good Morrow," the speaker uses a variety of imagery and symbolism to convey the theme of love's transformative power. One of the most important images in the poem is the sun. The speaker compares his love to the sun, saying that it is just as bright and warm. This image suggests that the speaker's love is powerful and life-giving. It also suggests that the speaker's love has transformed him, making him more aware of the beauty and wonder in the world around him.
Another important image in the poem is the compass. The speaker compares his love to a compass, saying that it guides him and helps him to find his way in the world. This image suggests 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 addition to these two images, Donne also uses a number of other symbols in the poem to convey the theme of love's transformative power. For example, he compares his love to a world. This symbol suggests that the speaker's love is vast and all-encompassing. It also suggests that the speaker's love has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for him.
Donne's use of imagery and symbolism in "The Good Morrow" is highly effective. He uses these literary devices to create a vivid and moving portrait of love's transformative power. The poem suggests that love can make us better people, and that it can give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Discuss the speaker's relationship to his lover in "The Good Morrow." How does the speaker's love for his lover transform him?
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.