Exploring the Theme of Love in John Donne's "The Canonization" Essay Example

John Donne's poem, "The Canonization", explores the theme of love in a complex yet interesting way. Donne challenges the conventional notion of love by presenting a love that transcends physical attraction and romance. This poem focuses on love as something deeper, more spiritual, and a form that involves devotion and self-sacrifice, which can transcend physical boundaries.

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The poem begins with the speaker declaring that love is a kind of “sacred mystery” and that it should be “canonized” in the eyes of the world. This idea of love being something that deserves respect and admiration is central to Donne’s exploration of love in this poem. He suggests that love should not be limited to physical forms of expression, but instead should be seen as something more spiritual and transcendent.

The speaker then goes on to say that love is a “profession”, an activity that requires commitment and effort. This notion of love as a form of work is important, as it suggests that love is something that requires dedication and effort. It also implies that it is something that can be achieved and sustained, rather than being something that simply happens by chance.

The speaker then compares love to a kind of religion, suggesting that it is capable of inspiring devotion and awe in its followers. This idea is further explored in the lines “Love’s mysteries in souls do grow,/But yet the body is his book”. Here, Donne suggests that love can move beyond the physical realm and take on a spiritual form, inspiring a kind of devotion and reverence that transcends physical boundaries.

The poem concludes with the speaker declaring love as a form of divine alchemy, capable of turning ordinary people into extraordinary beings. This idea is important because it implies that love can inspire and transform people in ways beyond the physical realm.

Conclusion

John Donne's poem, "The Canonization", is a thought-provoking exploration of love. Donne suggests that love can be more than a feeling or physical attraction. It can also inspire devotion and amazement in its followers. Donne also suggested that love requires effort and dedication, and can transform ordinary people into extraordinary things.