An Critical analysis of the poetic elements within the little-studied "The Sun Rising" by John Donne.
Analysis of Literary Technique in John Donne 's "The Sun Rising"
John Donne, author of many works of literature, including "The Sun Rising", is a master manipulator of literary techniques, which he uses to convey a powerful and profound message to the reader. Published in 1633 in Donne 's book entitled _Poems_, "The Sun Rising" is a poem depicting two lovers disturbed from their bed by the rising sun. Donne 's poem, "The Sun Rising," is comparable to woven fabric, each literary element tightly woven on the loom of Donne 's poetic mind. Donne 's expert manipulation of each literary technique, making each literary element work to its fullest potential in conveying his underlying theme, is what defines "The Sun Rising" as such a splendid bolt of cloth and an admirable work of literature. The literary elements Donne utilizes to achieve these means are expressive use of imagery, artful incorporation of important themes which heighten the intensity of the poem, and brilliant manipulation of the sound devices that create the flowing mood within the poem, ranging from terse to euphoric.
Busy old fool, unruly Sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows, and through curtains, call on us? Must to thy motions lovers ' seasons run? Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide Late school-boys and sour prentices, Go tell court-huntsmen that the king will ride, Call country ants to harvest offices; Love, all alike, no season knows nor clime, Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time. Thy beams so reverend, and strong Why shouldst thou think? I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink, But that I would not lose her sight so long. If her eyes have not blinded thine, Look, and to-morrow late tell me, Whether both th ' Indias of spice and mine Be where thou left 'st them, or lie here with me. Ask for those kings whom thou saw 'st yesterday, And thou shalt hear, "All here in one bed lay." She 's all states, and all princes I; Nothing else is; Princes do but play us; compared to this, All
John Donne, author of many works of literature, including "The Sun Rising", is a master manipulator of literary techniques, which he uses to convey a powerful and profound message to the reader. Published in 1633 in Donne 's book entitled _Poems_, "The Sun Rising" is a poem depicting two lovers disturbed from their bed by the rising sun. Donne 's poem, "The Sun Rising," is comparable to woven fabric, each literary element tightly woven on the loom of Donne 's poetic mind. Donne 's expert manipulation of each literary technique, making each literary element work to its fullest potential in conveying his underlying theme, is what defines "The Sun Rising" as such a splendid bolt of cloth and an admirable work of literature. The literary elements Donne utilizes to achieve these means are expressive use of imagery, artful incorporation of important themes which heighten the intensity of the poem, and brilliant manipulation of the sound devices that create the flowing mood within the poem, ranging from terse to euphoric.
Busy old fool, unruly Sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows, and through curtains, call on us? Must to thy motions lovers ' seasons run? Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide Late school-boys and sour prentices, Go tell court-huntsmen that the king will ride, Call country ants to harvest offices; Love, all alike, no season knows nor clime, Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time. Thy beams so reverend, and strong Why shouldst thou think? I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink, But that I would not lose her sight so long. If her eyes have not blinded thine, Look, and to-morrow late tell me, Whether both th ' Indias of spice and mine Be where thou left 'st them, or lie here with me. Ask for those kings whom thou saw 'st yesterday, And thou shalt hear, "All here in one bed lay." She 's all states, and all princes I; Nothing else is; Princes do but play us; compared to this, All
Cited: Bloom, Harold, ed. _John Donne Comprehensive Research and Study Guide_. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House, 1999. Print. Daley, Koos. "The Sun Rising." _Masterplots II: Poetry_. 2nd ed. Pasadena: Salem, 2002. _Literary Reference Center_. Web. 25 Oct. 2010. Gardner, Helen Louise, ed. _John Donne: a Collection of Critical Essays._ Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1962. Print. "The Poetry of Donne." _Masterplots_. Definitive Revised ed. Pasadena: Salem, 1976. _Literary Reference Center_. Web. 25 Oct. 2010. Warnke, Frank J. _John Donne_. Boston: Twayne, 1987. Print.