According to the speaker in The Sun Rising by John Donne, what possible double meanings are contained in the line 'Thy beams, so reverend and strong'?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an analysis of a specific line from John Donne's poem 'The Sun Rising,' focusing on the potential double meanings of the phrase 'Thy beams, so reverend and strong.' It seeks to explore the interpretations of the speaker's words in the context of the poem.
Answer
The line suggests both the sun's literal power and the speaker's metaphorically stronger love.
The line "Thy beams, so reverend and strong" contains double meanings in the sense that it refers to both the literal power and authority of the sun's rays and the metaphorical strength of the love the speaker feels, which he suggests is more commanding and powerful.
Answer for screen readers
The line "Thy beams, so reverend and strong" contains double meanings in the sense that it refers to both the literal power and authority of the sun's rays and the metaphorical strength of the love the speaker feels, which he suggests is more commanding and powerful.
More Information
In the poem 'The Sun Rising,' John Donne often uses metaphysical conceits, which allow him to draw surprising comparisons, such as between the sun and the speaker's relationship. The reverence and strength attributed to the sun highlight its traditional role in marking time and life, while the speaker diminishes this by suggesting his love is more important.
Tips
A common mistake is taking the phrase entirely literally. Understanding the metaphorical implications requires considering the context of the poem, where Donne often juxtaposes earthly and spiritual concepts.
Sources
- The Sun Rising Summary & Analysis by John Donne - LitCharts - litcharts.com
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