What Does Donne Say About the Nature of True Love in “The Sun Rising?

Answer

What does Donne say about the nature of true love in “The Sun Rising?” 

“The Sun Rising,” published in 1633, is a powerful love poem by John Donne (1572-1631). In this poem, he explores the nature of true love. True love, according to Donne, is self-sufficient. True love is above the influence of time. The lovers are so complete in themselves that their bedroom makes a whole world.

Timelessness of True Love: Donne begins by scolding the sun for its uninvited presence as it shines on the lovers in their bed in the morning and disturbs them. The poet argues that lovers can enjoy their time whenever they want. They do not need to depend on the day’s schedule. He goes on to say that true love is also above the influence of hours, days, and months, which, unlike love, wear out like old rags as time passes.

Love, all alike, no season knows nor clime,

Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time.

This underscores the timelessness of true love.

Completeness: In the second stanza, the speaker argues that the lovers are complete in themselves. The speaker elevates his relationship by asserting that his lover’s presence is equivalent to all the riches and territories of the world. The East Indies and West Indies, representing vast wealth and exotic lands, are now contained in their room. It symbolizes how true love encompasses all worldly treasures and experiences. He goes on to say that the whole world is present inside the lovers’ bedroom.

She’s all states, and all princes, I,

Nothing else is.

In conclusion, Donne’s depiction of true love in “The Sun Rising” is one of supreme, timeless, and all-encompassing power. Love, for Donne, is a self-contained universe. Donne’s faithful love never dies.