Valediction Forbidding Mourning

Question 1

Overview:

Answer 1

Donne takes on a sincere tone through a series of simple conceits to detail the parting of two lovers. The speaker in the poem attempts to comfort their partner through a range of mathematical conceits to present how their romantic connection will not be broken with space and that it is ultimately their spiritual connection which binds them.

Question 2

Conceit of compasses:

Answer 2

• “As stiff compasses are two”.
• Demonstrates that the couple though may appear to be separated, still work together.
• Much like a compass there is an interdependence between the two for them to function properly.

Question 3

“Tear floods” and “sigh- tempests”

Answer 3

• The speaker does not want him and his lover to outwardly express their grief.
• This is demonstrated through hyperbolic images.
• Donne implies that those who show such wild emotions are not experiencing true love.

Question 4

“Inter assured of the mind/ care less, eyes, lips and hands to miss”

Answer 4

• Triad.
• emphasises the fact that there love is based on a spiritual rather than physical connection.

Question 5

Form:

Answer 5

• Apostrophe, addressing his lover.
• Simple structure - rhyming couplets - simplicity of the argument.