CRITICAL ANALYSIS , THE SUNNE RISING BY JOHN DONNE

John Donne is considered one of the greatest metaphysical poets of the 17 th century, with his work
reflecting deep philosophical and religious beliefs. The Sunne Rising is one of his most famous works,
which showcases his mastery of metaphysical conceit and his exploration of the relationship between
human beings and the rest of the universe. This essay aims to provide a critical analysis of The Sun Rising
by John Donne

Order to fully understand the poem, it is important to look closely at Donne’s use of language and
imagery, as well as the overall structure of the poem.

One of Donne’s most notable techniques is his use of metaphysical conceit, wherein he compares two
seemingly unrelated things in order to make a complex comparison. In The Sun Rising, the speaker
compares the sun to “saucy pedantic wretch” who “through windows, and through curtains call on us.”
This comparison serves to highlight the speaker’s annoyance at the sun’s interference with his intimate
moments with his lover. Furthermore, the speaker suggests that the sun is unworthy of its celestial
status, likening it to a mere pedantic individual who wilfully disturbs the lives of others. This comparison
is also significant in that it marks the speaker’s subversion of traditional religious views that valued the
sun as a symbol of God’s power and benevolent nature.

Another important aspect of the poem is the imagery used by the speaker. Donne uses a variety of
sensory images to evoke the intimacy and privacy of the bedroom setting. For example, the speaker
describes how he and his lover “enjoy the fruit, yet still repent the sin” – an image of the two lovers
indulging in physical pleasures while also feeling guilty about it. Moreover, the speaker also uses images
of sleep and slumber to show that all of nature is under the couple’s control. He beckons the “busy old
fool” to “go chide late schoolboys and sour prentices,” thus highlighting the couple’s superiority over
the rest of the world, who are still asleep while they are awake.

The structure of the poem Is also significant, as it highlights the speaker’s desire for permanence and
timelessness. The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which ends with the phrase “She’s all state,” a
line that emphasizes the speaker’s belief that his lover is the center of the universe. Furthermore, this
repetition serves to emphasize the speaker’s desire for his moments with his lover to last forever. The
final stanza, which begins with the line “Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime,” suggests that the
speaker views love as something that transcends time and space. This is reinforced by lines such as
”Love, any devil else but you” which further suggest that the speaker’s love is unique and permanent.

In conclusion, The Sun Rising is a complex poem that showcases Donne’s use of metaphysical conceit,
sensory imagery, and formal structure, all of which serve to highlight the speaker’s belief that his love is
central to the universe. The poem’s central message is that love and intimacy are more important than
any external force, even one as powerful as the sun. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of
love and the human desire for permanence and timelessness.