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The Ecstasy by John Donne Notes
The Ecstasy by John Donne Notes
The Ecstasy by John Donne Notes
Overview
The communication of the souls of lovers reveals the true essence of love.
Love is not sex-experience. It is rather a union of two souls.
Each soul appears to keep its identity The fusion of the two souls is the real consummation of love.
The new soul is composed of ‘atoms’ which are beyond decay. Just as the essence of the individual is not the
body but the soul, in the same way, the essence of love is not sex but mutual dependence and affection.
The body is no dross, but an alloy necessary for pure metals to become stronger. The body is the channel for the
souls to inter-communicate with each other.
Setting
The first stanza provides the physical setting of the two lovers. On the bank of a river over grown with violet
flowers, the lovers sit quiet, looking into each other’s eyes and holding hands firmly.
This physical closeness offers a romantic and pastoral setting—their hands cemented in mutual confidence and
the eyes as if strung on a thread.
This sensually exciting scene is a forerunner to the actual physical union.
The poet compares the two lovers to the two armies. The souls are like the negotiators. They are not committed
to either side. Only those who are gifted can understand the dialogue of the two souls, and realize the true
nature of love.
Commented [i-[1]:
Passionate scene as the backdrop for the lovers to embrace
Analysis described in erotic terms
reference to pillow, bed and pregnancy suggest sexuality