Question

Donne compares his journey of life to that of the

• A. Stars
• B. Sun
• C. Planets
• D. Moon

Hint:

Remembering the central conceits (extended metaphors) is key to understanding metaphysical poets like John Donne. For Donne, common conceits involve celestial bodies (sun, stars), geography (maps), and scientific instruments (the compass).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question refers to a specific comparison or metaphor used by the metaphysical poet John Donne in one of his poems.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In John Donne's poem "The Sun Rising," he famously addresses the sun, a powerful celestial body. While the question asks about the "journey of life," a key theme in Donne's work is the power of love to create its own universe, making the lovers' world more important than the cosmic journey of the sun. In another poem, "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," he uses the movement of celestial spheres. However, the most direct and famous poem where Donne engages with a celestial journey is "The Sun Rising". In "Sweetest Love, I Do Not Goe", he tells his lover not to fear his departure, saying "Yesternight the sun went hence, / And yet is here today". He argues that he will make a speedier journey than the sun. In this way, he compares his own journey to that of the sun.
Step 3: Final Answer:
In his poetry, John Donne compares his journey and return to that of the Sun. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.