A Lecture upon the Shadow
By John Donne
Stand still, and I will read to thee
A lecture, love, in love’s philosophy.
These three hours that we have spent,
Walking here, two shadows went
Along with us, which we ourselves produc’d.
But, now the sun is just above our head,
We do those shadows tread,
And to brave clearness all things are reduc’d.
So whilst our infant loves did grow,
Disguises did, and shadows, flow
From us, and our cares; but now ‘tis not so.
That love has not attain’d the high’st degree,
Which is still diligent lest others see.Except our loves at this noon stay,
We shall new shadows make the other way.
As the first were made to blind
Others, these which come behind
Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.
If our loves faint, and westwardly decline,
To me thou, falsely, thine,
And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.
The morning shadows wear away,
But these grow longer all the day;
But oh, love’s day is short, if love decay.
Love is a growing, or full constant light,
And his first minute, after noon, is night.
Summary of A Lecture upon the Shadow
- Popularity of “A Lecture upon the Shadow”: There is no record that John Donne wrote a poem by this title. The claim that it first appeared in a 1615 collection called Songs and Sonnets is incorrect; Donne’s earliest known poems were published posthumously in 1633. The text that is presented here appears to be a modern composition or a misattribution. Because of this uncertainty the poem has not gained a clear place in Donne scholarship, though readers sometimes cite it as an example of a metaphorical treatment of love’s growth and decline.
- “A Lecture upon the Shadow” as a Representative of Love’s Growth: The poem is treated as a playful lecture delivered by the speaker to a beloved, exploring the philosophy of love. It begins by observing the shadows that walk alongside the couple, symbolising early affection that is somewhat veiled or disguised. As the sun climbs, the shadows shrink, signifying growing clarity and openness in the relationship. The speaker warns that if love does not deepen, new “shadows” – deceptions and pretences – will appear, blinding them to their true connection. The poem suggests that love either flourishes through honest growth or withers into artifice.
- Major Themes in “A Lecture upon the Shadow”: Transience, the passage of time, and the cyclical nature of love’s growth and decay are central. The poet uses shadows as a metaphor for the ever‑changing conditions of a relationship. He implies that, like the sun’s path across the sky, love has a peak – “noon” – and then inevitably begins to decline. The work contrasts genuine connection with superficial displays and argues that true love requires constant nurturing and vigilance. The imagery evokes youth, maturity, and the inevitable fading that accompanies the passage of time.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in A Lecture upon the Shadow
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity. Donne skillfully employs assonance to create musicality and emphasize certain words or ideas. For example, in the line “These three hours that we have spent,” the repetition of the “e” sound contributes to a flowing rhythm.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Though less prominent than other devices, alliteration appears in phrases like “stand still” and “work upon,” adding subtle emphasis.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words, often creating a sense of cohesion. Consider the line “We shall new shadows make the other way,” where the repeated “sh” and “w” sounds contribute to the poem’s auditory texture.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without punctuation. This technique is frequently used to create a sense of momentum and to link ideas together. For instance:
As the first were made to blind
Others, these which come behind
Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.The meaning flows seamlessly from one line to the next, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the ideas.
- Imagery: The use of vivid language to create mental images. Donne employs striking imagery throughout the poem, such as “Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes,” “our loves faint, and westwardly decline,” and “The morning shadows wear away.” These images evoke a strong sense of atmosphere and contribute to the poem’s metaphorical richness.
- Metaphor: An implied comparison between two unlike things. The central metaphor of the poem – comparing love to shadows – is sustained throughout. The shadows represent both the initial disguises of affection and the potential for deception and self‑blindness.
- Symbolism: The use of objects or ideas to represent something else. Several symbols appear in the poem, including shadows, infancy, the sun, and noon. Shadows symbolize deception and the obscured nature of early love, while the sun and noon symbolize clarity, maturity, and the peak of a relationship.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in A Lecture upon the Shadow
- Diction: The poet’s choice of words significantly shapes the tone and meaning of the poem. Donne employs formal, sophisticated diction, reflecting the intellectual and philosophical nature of his exploration of love.
- End Rhyme: The rhyme scheme in A Lecture upon the Shadow is complex. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, contributing to the poem’s musicality and sense of closure. For example, “thee” and “philosophy,” and “spent” and “went.”
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem consistently follows an AABBCDDCEEEFF rhyme scheme in each stanza, creating a predictable, yet elegant rhythm. This consistent pattern provides a structural framework for the complex ideas explored within the poem.
- Stanza: The poem comprises two stanzas, each containing thirteen lines. This structure provides a balance between conciseness and depth, allowing Donne to explore the complexities of love without becoming overly verbose.
- Tone: The poem shifts from a philosophical and analytical tone at the beginning to a more intimate and loving tone towards the end. This shift reflects the deepening of the speaker’s connection with his beloved as he contemplates the nature of their relationship.
Quotes to be Used
The morning shadows wear away,
But these grow longer all the day;
But oh, love’s day is short, if love decay.
Love is a growing, or full constant light,
And his first minute, after noon, is night.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central argument: that love is a dynamic force that requires constant nurturing to thrive. If neglected, it will inevitably fade into darkness. This quote powerfully illustrates the poem’s exploration of love’s transience and the importance of commitment and honesty.