Author: John Donne

Poem: Elegy 19, To His Mistress Going to Bed.

In this poem, is the author speaking of his new bride who is dressing or is he really speaking of his mistress.

Question 2. Is he describing his mistress body and comparing it to finding new land.

Help!

Look after line 20. Why does he speak of conquests of new lands, America. Is it possible that Donne is making a political commentary on the global exploration and beginnings of colonial exploitation of "new lands"?

And, note the language of conquests when he speaks of his mistress.

You might like to lookup the word allegory.

To determine whether the author in the poem "Elegy 19, To His Mistress Going to Bed" by John Donne is speaking of his new bride or his mistress, and whether he is describing her body in comparison to finding new land, you will need to analyze the text and the contextual clues. Here's how you can explore this:

1. Read the poem: Start by reading the entire poem carefully. Note down any specific references to the woman being described, the relationship between the speaker and the woman, and any language used to convey intimacy or familiarity.

2. Identify the subject: Pay attention to the pronouns used throughout the poem, such as "you" or "she." Analyze how the author addresses the woman and his tone. This can give you an indication of the nature of their relationship.

3. Examine the descriptions: Look for any vivid descriptions of the woman's appearance and how they are portrayed. Consider whether the language used suggests affection or simply physical desire.

4. Contextual clues: Consider the larger context in which the poem was written and the literary conventions of the time. John Donne was known for his metaphysical poems, which often explored themes of love, desire, and spirituality. Familiarize yourself with the historical background and the societal norms regarding relationships and marriage during Donne's time.

By analyzing these elements, you can form an informed interpretation of the poem and answer the questions about the subject and the nature of the relationship being described. Remember that poetry can often be open to interpretation, so different readers may have varying perspectives on certain poems.