The Good Morrow by John Donne | The Good Morrow | The Good Morrow John Donne | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | John Donne | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Critical Appreciation | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
The Good-Morrow
I wonder, by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved? Were we not weaned till then?
But sucked on country pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the Seven Sleepers’ den?
’Twas so; but this, all pleasures fancies be.
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desired, and got, ’twas but a dream of thee.
And now good-morrow to our waking souls,
Which watch not one another out of fear;
For love, all love of other sights controls,
And makes one little room an everywhere.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown,
Let us possess one world, each hath one, and is one.
My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
And true plain hearts do in the faces rest;
Where can we find two better hemispheres,
Without sharp north, without declining west?
Whatever dies, was not mixed equally;
If our two loves be one, or, thou and I
Love so alike, that none do slacken, none can die.
The Good Morrow by John Donne: YouTube Link
The Good Morrow Analysis
1. I wonder, by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved?
Explanation:
“I wonder, by my troth,”: The phrase “by my troth” is an old English expression that means “truly” or “indeed”. So, the speaker is saying “I truly wonder”. This gives the line a tone of sincere curiosity and introspection.
“what thou and I Did, till we loved?”: The speaker is pondering what he and his lover did before they fell in love. He’s questioning the significance and meaning of their lives before they found each other. This suggests that their love has brought about a profound change in their lives, to the point where their past activities seem almost meaningless in comparison.
In essence, this line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the transformative power of love. The speaker suggests that their lives began in earnest only when they fell in love, and everything before that seems insignificant in comparison. This is a common theme in Donne’s poetry, reflecting his belief in the spiritual and transcendent nature of love.
Rhetorical Question: The speaker asks “what thou and I Did, till we loved?” not to get an answer, but to emphasize a point or draw the reader’s attention to a theme or idea. This is a common device used in poetry to provoke thought and engage the reader.
Enjambment: Enjambment is used, creating a flowing effect between lines, emphasizing the speaker’s continuous contemplation of life before love.
2. Were we not weaned till then?
Explanation:
“Were we not weaned till then?”: The term “weaned” typically refers to the process of gradually withdrawing an infant’s dependency on the mother’s milk as the primary source of nutrition, introducing the infant to solid foods. In the context of the poem, the speaker uses “weaned” metaphorically to represent a transition from one state of being to another.
The speaker is suggesting that before they fell in love, they were like infants, dependent on immature or ‘childish’ pleasures. It is only when they fell in love (i.e., ‘weaned’) that they moved on to a more mature, fulfilling, and meaningful experience – their love for each other.
Poetic Device:
Rhetorical question: A question asked not to get an answer but to emphasize a point or draw the reader’s attention to a theme or idea. Here, the rhetorical question underscores the transformative power of love, a key theme in the poem.
3. But sucked on country pleasures, childishly?
Explanation:
“But sucked on country pleasures, childishly?”: The speaker uses the verb “sucked” to further the metaphor of being like infants (from the previous line “Were we not weaned till then?”). Here, “country pleasures” likely refers to simple, naive, or immature joys or pleasures that they indulged in before they experienced the profound love they now share. The adverb “childishly” emphasizes the immaturity and lack of depth of these past experiences.
Poetic Device:
Rhetorical question: A question asked not to get an answer but to emphasize a point or draw the reader’s attention to a theme or idea. Here, the rhetorical question underscores the transformative power of love, a key theme in the poem.
Alliteration: A poetic device where the same letter or sound is used at the beginning of closely connected words. In this case, the repetition of the ‘c’ sound in “country” and “childishly” adds a rhythmic quality to the line.
4. Or snorted we in the Seven Sleepers’ den?
Explanation:
“Or snorted we in the Seven Sleepers’ den?”: The speaker is suggesting that before they fell in love, they were like the Seven Sleepers, oblivious to the world around them. The “Seven Sleepers” is a reference to a Christian and Islamic legend about seven young men who hid inside a cave to escape religious persecution and fell into a miraculous sleep for centuries. By using the verb “snorted”, the speaker might be implying that they were in a state of deep sleep or ignorance, unaware of the profound love that they would later experience.
Poetic Device:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their past state of ignorance (before they fell in love) to the Seven Sleepers’ long sleep in the cave.
Allusion: A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. In this case, the allusion to the Seven Sleepers serves to emphasize the transformative power of love, a key theme in the poem.
5. ’Twas so; but this, all pleasures fancies be.
Explanation:
“’Twas so;”: This is an archaic contraction of “it was so,” confirming that the speaker’s previous statements about their past were true. They acknowledge that they were indeed like infants or like the Seven Sleepers, oblivious to the world around them before they fell in love.
“but this, all pleasures fancies be.”: The speaker contrasts their past with their present state of being in love. The word “this” refers to their current love. The phrase “all pleasures fancies be” suggests that all other pleasures are mere fancies, or illusions, compared to the profound love they now experience.
Poetic devices:
Contrast or Juxtaposition: A poetic device where two contrasting ideas are placed side by side for emphasis. Here, the speaker contrasts their past pleasures (which they now see as childish or insignificant) with their current state of profound love.
6. If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desired, and got, ’twas but a dream of thee.
Explanation:
“If ever any beauty I did see,”: The speaker is reflecting on any beauty they have seen in the past. This could refer to physical beauty, such as a beautiful person or scene, or metaphorical beauty, such as a beautiful idea or experience.
“Which I desired, and got,”: The speaker acknowledges that they desired this beauty and obtained it. This could mean that they pursued and achieved a beautiful experience or relationship, or that they attained a deeper understanding or appreciation of beauty.
“’twas but a dream of thee.”: The speaker concludes that any beauty they have seen and desired was merely a dream or premonition of their lover. This suggests that their lover embodies all the beauty they have ever seen or desired. It’s as if all previous experiences of beauty were simply preparing them to recognize and appreciate the beauty of their lover.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their past experiences of beauty to a dream of their lover, emphasizing the profound and transcendent nature of their love.
7. And now good-morrow to our waking souls,
Explanation:
“And now good-morrow to our waking souls,”: The phrase “good-morrow” is an old English greeting used to wish someone a good morning. In the context of the poem, the speaker uses “good-morrow” metaphorically to signify a new beginning or awakening. The “waking souls” refers to the speaker and his lover, who have ‘awoken’ to a new reality of profound love.
This line marks a transition in the poem from reflecting on the past (what they did before they loved) to celebrating the present (their current state of love). It’s as if their souls have ‘woken up’ or come alive because of their love.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their awakening to love to the act of waking up in the morning.
8. Which watch not one another out of fear;
Explanation:
“Which watch not one another out of fear;”: The word “which” refers back to their “waking souls” mentioned in the previous line. The speaker is saying that their souls, now awakened by love, do not watch each other out of fear. This suggests a relationship based on trust, love, and mutual respect, rather than fear or insecurity.
Poetic devices:
Personification: Personification is employed as the waking souls are described as watching, adding depth and anthropomorphic qualities to the concept.
9. For love, all love of other sights controls,
Explanation:
“For love, all love of other sights controls,”: The speaker is saying that their love for each other controls or surpasses any love or appreciation they might have for other sights. This suggests that their love is so profound and all-encompassing that it dominates their perception and appreciation of the world around them.
Poetic devices:
Hyperbole: A figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. Here, the speaker uses hyperbole to emphasize the intensity and depth of their love.
10. And makes one little room an everywhere.
Explanation:
“And makes one little room an everywhere,”: The speaker is saying that their profound love transforms their perception of space. Even a small room, where they share their love, feels as vast and infinite as the entire universe. This suggests that when they are together, they don’t need anything else; their love fills their world and makes it complete.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their small room to the entire universe, emphasizing the depth and expansiveness of their love.
11. Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Explanation:
“Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,”: The speaker is saying that let the sea explorers go to new worlds. This is a metaphorical way of saying that other people may seek new experiences or pursue worldly adventures, but for the speaker, the love they share with their beloved is so fulfilling that they feel no need to seek anything else.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares sea explorers seeking new worlds to people seeking new experiences or adventures.
12. Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown,
Explanation:
“Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown,”: The speaker is saying that let the maps show other worlds upon worlds. This is a metaphorical way of saying that there are countless other experiences, adventures, and discoveries out there in the world, represented by “worlds on worlds”. However, for the speaker, the love they share with their beloved is so fulfilling that they feel no need to seek anything else.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares maps showing other worlds to the vast array of experiences and adventures available in the world.
13. Let us possess one world, each hath one, and is one.
Explanation:
“Let us possess one world,”: The speaker is saying that they and their beloved should possess one world. This is a metaphorical way of saying that they should share their lives and experiences together, creating a shared world of love.
“each hath one,”: The phrase “each hath one” suggests that each of them has their own world, which could represent their individual experiences, thoughts, and emotions. However, in the context of their love, these individual worlds merge into one.
“and is one.”: The phrase “and is one” further emphasizes the unity and oneness in their love. Despite their individuality, their love makes them one.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their shared love to possessing one world, emphasizing the depth and unity of their love.
Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, to emphasize his points and add rhythm to the poem. For example, the word “Let” begins three lines in a row.
14. My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
Explanation:
“My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,”: The speaker is saying that when they look into each other’s eyes, they can see their own reflection. This is a metaphorical way of saying that they see themselves in each other, and vice versa. It suggests a deep connection and understanding between them, as if they are mirrors to each other’s souls.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares the act of seeing their reflection in each other’s eyes to the deep connection and understanding they share.
15. And true plain hearts do in the faces rest;
Explanation:
“And true plain hearts do in the faces rest,”: The speaker is saying that their true, sincere hearts are reflected in their faces. This suggests that their love for each other is so profound and genuine that it’s visible on their faces. It also implies that there’s no deceit or pretense in their love; what you see on their faces is a true reflection of their hearts.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares the sincerity of their hearts to the expressions on their faces, emphasizing the authenticity and depth of their love.
16. Where can we find two better hemispheres,
Without sharp north, without declining west?
Explanation:
“Where can we find two better hemispheres,”: The speaker is rhetorically asking where they could find two better halves than themselves and their beloved. The term “hemispheres” metaphorically represents the speaker and their beloved, each being a half of a whole. This suggests that they complement each other perfectly, just like two halves of a sphere.
“Without sharp north, without declining west?”: The speaker further describes their perfect union by saying it lacks a “sharp north” and a “declining west”. In traditional cosmology, the north is often associated with coldness and harshness, while the west, where the sun sets, is associated with decline or end. By saying their love lacks these qualities, the speaker implies that their love is warm, enduring, and free from decline or end.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their perfect union to two hemispheres without a sharp north or declining west, emphasizing the warmth, endurance, and perfection of their love.
17. Whatever dies, was not mixed equally;
Explanation:
“Whatever dies, was not mixed equally;”: The speaker is suggesting that anything that dies was not mixed equally, implying a lack of balance or harmony. In the context of the poem, this could be interpreted as a metaphor for relationships or love. If a relationship or love ‘dies’ or ends, it could be because there was not an equal give and take, or a balanced mutual effort from both parties.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares the death of anything (which could be interpreted as the end of a relationship or love) to the concept of unequal mixing, emphasizing the importance of balance and equality in maintaining a relationship or love.
18. If our two loves be one, or, thou and I
Love so alike, that none do slacken, none can die.
Explanation:
“If our two loves be one,”: The speaker is suggesting that their love for each other is so profound and intertwined that it’s as if their two separate loves have become one. This signifies a deep unity and connection between them.
“or, thou and I Love so alike,”: The speaker continues by saying that they and their beloved love so similarly, further emphasizing the harmony and balance in their relationship.
“that none do slacken, none can die.”: The speaker concludes by saying that their love is so strong and balanced that it cannot slacken (weaken) or die. This suggests an enduring, immortal love that is immune to change or decay.
Poetic devices:
Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that aren’t alike but have something in common. Here, the speaker compares their enduring, balanced love to two loves becoming one and to a love that cannot slacken or die, emphasizing the depth, unity, and immortality of their love.
