'Love's Usury' by John Donne
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For every hour that thou wilt spare me now
I will allow,
Usurious God of Love, twenty to thee,
When with my brown my gray hairs equal be;
Till then, Love, let my body reign, and let
Me travel, sojourn, snatch, plot, have, forget,
Resume my last year's relic: think that yet
We'had never met.
Let me think any rival's letter mine,
And at next nine
Keep midnight's promise; mistake by the way
The maid, and tell the Lady of that delay;
Only let me love none, no, not the sport;
From country grass, to comfitures of Court,
Or cities quelque choses, let report
My mind transport.This bargain's good; if when I'm old, I be
Inflamed by thee,
If thine own honour, or my shame, or pain,
Thou covet most, at that age thou shalt gain.
Do thy will then, then subject and degree,
And fruit of love, Love I submit to thee;
Spare me till then, I'll bear it, though she be
One that loves me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Love's Usury: A Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
John Donne's poem "Love's Usury" is a remarkable example of metaphysical poetry, a genre that flourished in the seventeenth century. The poem is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines, and it explores the theme of love and its various manifestations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem in detail, examining its language, structure, and imagery, and exploring its meaning and significance.
Language and Structure
The language of the poem is rich and complex, full of metaphors, paradoxes, and conceits. The poem opens with a paradoxical statement: "For every hour that thou wilt spare me now, / I will allow." The speaker is addressing his beloved, and he is proposing a kind of bargain: if she spares him some time, he will repay her by giving her more time in the future. The language is highly poetic, and the syntax is carefully crafted to create a sense of balance and harmony.
The poem is structured as a sonnet, with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCD EE. The first eight lines form the octave, and they present the speaker's argument, while the last six lines form the sestet, and they offer a resolution or conclusion. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a meter that consists of five iambs, or metrical feet, in each line. The effect of this meter is to create a sense of rhythm and regularity, which is then disrupted by the use of enjambment and other poetic techniques.
Imagery and Themes
The imagery of the poem is highly symbolic and metaphysical, and it is used to explore the theme of love and its various manifestations. The speaker uses a number of conceits or extended metaphors to describe love, such as the idea of love as a "usurer" who demands interest on his loans. This metaphor is used throughout the poem, and it serves to emphasize the transactional nature of love, and the idea that love is a kind of exchange.
Another important image in the poem is that of time. The speaker uses time as a metaphor for love, and he argues that love is like time in that it can be saved or wasted, and that it can be used to gain more time in the future. This idea is expressed in the lines "And while we talk and kiss, / Time steals away." The image of time also serves to emphasize the transience of love, and the idea that love is fleeting and temporary.
The theme of love is explored in a number of different ways in the poem. The speaker argues that love is not a simple emotion, but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. He describes love as both a source of pleasure and pain, and as something that can be both generous and demanding. The speaker also explores the idea that love is a kind of investment, and that it requires a certain amount of risk and trust.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on one's perspective and literary background. One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of the commodification of love in seventeenth-century England. The speaker argues that love should not be treated as a transaction or a commodity, but rather as a profound and authentic emotion that cannot be bought or sold.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the transformative power of love. The speaker argues that love has the power to change us, to make us better and more virtuous. He describes love as a kind of investment that pays off in the long term, and he argues that we should be willing to take risks and trust in the power of love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Donne's poem "Love's Usury" is a rich and complex exploration of the theme of love and its various manifestations. The poem is notable for its intricate language and structure, its rich use of metaphor and imagery, and its multifaceted exploration of the theme of love. The poem can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on one's perspective and literary background, but it remains a timeless and powerful example of metaphysical poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Love’s Usury: An Analysis of John Donne’s Classic Poem
John Donne’s poem Love’s Usury is a classic example of metaphysical poetry. It is a complex and intricate piece of writing that explores the theme of love and its relationship with money. The poem is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines, and is written in iambic pentameter. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, saying that he has paid her back all the love that she has given him. He then goes on to say that he will not pay her any more love, as he has already paid her back with interest. The speaker compares love to money, saying that just as money can be lent out at interest, love can also be lent out at interest. He says that he has lent out his love to his lover, and that she has lent out her love to him. However, he says that he has paid her back with interest, and that she should do the same.
The theme of love and money is central to the poem. The speaker compares love to money, saying that just as money can be lent out at interest, love can also be lent out at interest. This comparison is significant, as it shows how the speaker views love as a commodity that can be traded and exchanged. The speaker also uses the metaphor of usury to describe love, saying that he has paid his lover back with interest. Usury is the practice of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest, and the speaker’s use of this term shows how he views love as something that can be exploited for personal gain.
The structure of the poem is also significant. The poem is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines. The first twelve lines are divided into three quatrains, each with its own rhyme scheme. The final two lines are a rhyming couplet. This structure is typical of a Shakespearean sonnet, and it is significant because it allows the speaker to develop his argument in a logical and structured way. The use of iambic pentameter also adds to the structure of the poem, giving it a rhythmic and musical quality.
The language used in the poem is also significant. The speaker uses a range of metaphors and imagery to convey his message. For example, he compares love to money, saying that just as money can be lent out at interest, love can also be lent out at interest. He also uses the metaphor of usury to describe love, saying that he has paid his lover back with interest. This use of metaphor and imagery is typical of metaphysical poetry, and it adds to the complexity and depth of the poem.
The poem also explores the idea of reciprocity in love. The speaker says that he has paid his lover back with interest, and that she should do the same. This idea of reciprocity is significant, as it shows how the speaker views love as a transactional relationship. He believes that love should be exchanged equally, with both parties giving and receiving in equal measure. This idea of reciprocity is also reflected in the structure of the poem, with the first twelve lines being divided into three quatrains, each with its own rhyme scheme. This structure allows the speaker to develop his argument in a logical and structured way, with each quatrain building on the previous one.
The poem also explores the idea of the value of love. The speaker says that he has paid his lover back with interest, and that she should do the same. This idea of value is significant, as it shows how the speaker views love as something that can be measured and quantified. He believes that love has a value, and that it should be exchanged equally, with both parties giving and receiving in equal measure.
In conclusion, Love’s Usury is a complex and intricate poem that explores the theme of love and its relationship with money. The poem is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines, and is written in iambic pentameter. The poem uses a range of metaphors and imagery to convey its message, and it explores the ideas of reciprocity and the value of love. The poem is a classic example of metaphysical poetry, and it is significant for its exploration of these themes.
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