Question

In this lesson, two of the poems you have read differ on their views of love. Which view about love is correct, in your opinion? Why?

“The Sunne Rising” by John Donne:
Princes doe but play us; compar’d to this,
All honor’s mimique; All wealth alchimie.
Thou sunne art halfe as happy’as wee, In that the world’s contracted thus;
Thine age askes ease, and since thy duties bee
To warme the world, that’s done in warming us.
Shine here to us, and thou art every where;
This bed thy center is, these walls, thy spheare.

From “Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare:

Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand’ring bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.

Answer 1

There is no definitive 'correct' view of love as it is subjective and varies from person to person. Donne presents love as all-important and joyous, whereas Shakespeare sees it as constant and enduring. It's the personal resonance with one's experiences that determines which interpretation one might prefer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Views on Love in Poetry

When analyzing poetic expressions of love like those found in John Donne's "The Sunne Rising" and Shakespeare's "Sonnet 116", we encounter varied views that reflect the complexity and depth of love as a subject. Donne's poem exudes a more passionate and personal feeling, where love is seen as the ultimate fulfilment that outshines traditional honors and riches, and even the sun's warmth is trivial compared to the love shared between two individuals. In contrast, Shakespeare's sonnet presents love as an unwavering and steadfast force, unaffected by changes and challenges - an 'ever-fixed mark' that endures over time.

There is no singular 'correct' view on love as love's nature can be multifaceted, reflecting the diverse experiences of each individual. Some may resonate with the intense, consuming love Donne describes, while others might find truth in the steadfast, enduring love discussed by Shakespeare. Ultimately, the personal experiences and values of each individual will inform which poetic view they find most compelling.

The exploration of love in poetry extends beyond the simplistic notion of unrequited love to delve into various aspects of human existence, such as religion, self-identity, and the nature of relationships. Through the structure and artistry of their sonnets, poets like Donne and Shakespeare demonstrate poetic skill while offering insights into the essence of love and life. Each poem invites us to contemplate love's role in our lives and in the broader human experience.