John Donne: A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

The title hints that the theme of separation between lovers will be discussed. He will probably explain the reasons why he believes there is no need to feel sorrow before a separation.

In this poem John Donne deals with (ha che fare con) a valediction from his lover.

He tells her that it should not be the occasion for sorrow because it would profane their love. He compares it to other different images.

The first one is about the features of gold, which is extremely malleable: the poet says that their soul will stretch to cover the distance between them.

The poet to the feet of compass compares the two lovers. His lover’s soul is the fixed foot of the centre, and his (soul) is the foot that moves around it.

The firmness (stabilità) of the centre foot makes the circle that the outer foot draws perfect.

The poem is a sequence of metaphors and comparisons.

The theme is discussed in a very interesting and innovative way because distance is not considered a problem but a way to enrich a relationship. He considers their love more refined and deeper (profondo) than other normal people’s love.