Question: John Donne is different from Petrarchan tradition in his love poem- describe.
Introduction
John Donne (1572-1631) is a shining star in the history of English literature. He is especially famous for his metaphysical love poem. His metaphysical love poetry is different from Petrachan’s traditional love poetry. There are some salient traits by which we can easily differentiate the poetry of Petrarch and Donne.
Click here for more notes of Poetry
Differ from traditional love
John Donne has intentionally rejected the Petrarchan traditional love poetry or traditional love poetry. In Petrarchan poetry, we find the so-called love story used to illustrate a reluctant mistress and a lover who complained about sighs, vows, and tears. But Donne has shown in his poetry the real approach of love. He has broken the law of traditional love poetry.
Differ from language
Petrarch has used highly decorative language in his love lyric. He decorated his mistress with figurative language. But John Donne has used colloquial language with dramatic style. It is different from an ornamental and artificial language.
Pattern of love
Petrarch’s poetry is about the pains and sorrows of love. On the other hand, Donne’s poetry has shown mutual understanding and self-sufficiency.
Description of love
Donne’s poetry depicts the lovers’ love but also blends passion, and intellect by using metaphysical conceit. But the Petrarchan love lyric describes the conventional physical comparisons. Donne has used scholastic and fanciful comparisons-
“If they be two, they are two so
As stiff twin compasses are two
Thy soul the fixed foot makes no show
To move but doth if th’ other do…”
Click here for more notes of Poetry
Conclusion
To sum up, Donne is unique in using metaphysical conceits. He is realistic in his love poetry, but the Petrarchan love lyric is stereotypical.
