A Comparison Of Love In Sonnet 116 And Forbidding Mourning

Love at first sight, a concept overused in every romantic comedy. It is the instant connection between two soulmates. It is the idealistic perfect love. This phenomenon of true love has been around since the Elizabethan Era, preserved in the writings by some of the greatest poets of all time. “Sonnet 116” written by Shakespeare and “A Valediction; Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne both strive to express their version of Neoplatonic love (an immaculate love). Though both poems are exquisite expositions of love the question remains as to which one demonstrates the most superb love. Shakespeare 's “Sonnet 116” begins by depicting his version if the perfect love. According to Shakespeare, love must be a “marriage of two minds”. This ideology in itself exhibits a higher level love than common man could ever experience. For love to truly be Neoplatonic, it must merge every aspect of a relationship beyond the physical. There has to be a connection so spot on that a pair of lovers are mentally in tune. Shakespeare including these words very clearly aids in his mission to create the image of a true love. As Shakespeare delves into his requirements of love he states it must,“admit impediments”. A real love must be

Donne 's poem showcased a more refined explanation of love, while Shakespeare simply defined what it should be. What stood out most from Donne’s poem was the ability to make it personal. Every line makes the reader feel something; it draws the reader into the text and allows them to make connections. Shakespeare just doesn’t do that; he sticks to the definition love and gives no opportunity to add personal meaning to his writing. When talking about love, a poem must make a connection. After all, love is the most personal emotion someone can