Attempt a critical appreciation of the poem, "The Extasie". ( MEG 101 ) ( STUDY OF JOHN DONNE )

"The Extasie" is a highly complex and deeply philosophical poem by John Donne. It explores the nature of love, the relationship between the physical and the spiritual, and the paradoxes of the human experience. The poem is divided into two sections, the first of which describes the physical union between the speaker and his beloved, while the second section explores the spiritual dimension of their relationship.

The poem begins with an image of the lovers as two interlinked compasses, with one leg fixed in the beloved and the other extending outward. The speaker argues that despite their physical separation, their souls remain united, and that their love transcends the limitations of time and space. The poem then turns to a discussion of the relationship between the body and the soul, with the speaker asserting that the body is not an obstacle to spiritual fulfillment, but rather a vehicle for it.

The central image of the poem is that of the "Prince in prison", which represents the human soul trapped in the physical body. The speaker argues that only through the physical union of two lovers can the soul be liberated from the body and achieve a state of ecstasy. This image is highly symbolic, as it suggests that the true nature of human love is not merely physical, but rather a gateway to spiritual enlightenment.

The language of the poem is highly elaborate and dense, full of paradoxes, metaphysical conceits, and intricate wordplay. The poem demands close attention and careful analysis, as the complexity of the language reflects the complexity of the ideas being expressed. Overall, "The Extasie" is a profound meditation on the nature of love and the human experience, and a testament to the intellectual and poetic prowess of John Donne.