5 Questions
According to John Donne, true love exists when:
both bodies and souls are inextricably united
In The Ecstasy, John Donne compares bodies to:
planets
What does 'ecstasy' mean in the context of the poem?
A trance-like state in which the soul leaves the body
What strengthens spiritual love?
The fusion of body and soul
Donne's philosophy of love differs from Plato's in that Donne:
Doesn't ignore the claims of the body
Study Notes
John Donne's Concept of Love
- True love exists when two souls are united, and the bodies are merely a means to achieve this union.
- In The Ecstasy, John Donne compares bodies to earthly globes that reflect the beauty of the soul, emphasizing the primacy of the spiritual aspect of love.
- In the context of the poem, 'ecstasy' means a state of mystical or spiritual union, where the lovers transcend their physical boundaries.
- Spiritual love is strengthened by the mutual possession of each other's souls.
- Donne's philosophy of love differs from Plato's in that Donne argues that the soul and body are intertwined, and that true love can be achieved in this life, whereas Plato believed that the soul can only achieve true love after the death of the body.
Test your understanding of John Donne's poem "The Ecstasy" with this PG-TRB English quiz. Explore the summary and critical analysis of the poem, delving into the unconventional ideas about love and the theme of pure, spiritual love existing in the bond of souls established by the bodies.
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