Elegy: His Picture

Question 1

Overview:

Answer 1

Donne’s ‘His Picture’ looks at the impact of time and distance on a couple. The speaker notes that when they return from a journey the physical appearance of the couple would have changed as a result of time, but that it will be their spiritual connection which holds them together. Overall the poem highlights the importance of a spiritual, platonic connection over a physical one.

Question 2

Form:

Answer 2

• Dramatic monologue - confident assertion of their love.
• Direct address to his lover - but he imagines her replies.
• An elegy is typically a serious poem, a lament to the death - Donne has subverted this principle and made it a poem that marks the end of childish love.

Question 3

Context:

Answer 3

• Thought to be written before one of Donne’s expeditions - Joins Sir Walter Raleigh in Cadiz in 1956.

Question 4

“here take my picture”

Answer 4

• central conceit of the poem revolves around this image - Donne uses the image to argue against the vanity of physical appearance.

Question 5

“Twill be more/ when we are shadows both than twas before”.

Answer 5

• Their love transcends the physical thus despite their departure or will endure.
• The voice in the poem appears to be mature.
• Paradoxical notion that their separation will have a beneficial effect - their suffering will refine their love.

Question 6

“was but the milk which in love’s childish state/ did nurse it”

Answer 6

• extended metaphor that they have been weaned off the milk of youthful love and now appreciate a much deeper major live.