"Our two souls, therefore, which are one/ though I must go, endure not yet/A breach, but an expansion, Like gold to airy thinness beat."

Question

"Our two souls, therefore, which are one/ though I must go, endure not yet/A breach, but an expansion, Like gold to airy thinness beat."

Donne is using irony to trivialize the love between him and his wife.

Donne is using conceit to describe the love between him and his wife.

Donne is using an understatement to stress the strength of his love for his wife.

Donne is using sarcasm to dismiss the love his wife has for him.

My answer is C

Answer 1

Donne is using conceit to describe the love between him and his wife.

Answer 2

I guess understatement applies. Of these choices, that may be the best.

Answer 3

I agree with you -- I didn't like the wording of the choices at all.

Answer 4

You are correct. Donne is using an understatement to stress the strength and depth of his love for his wife in this quote. By stating that their two souls, which are inseparable, are not yet broken but rather expanding, Donne is emphasizing the intensity and enduring nature of their love. This poetic technique, known as understatement, is used here to create a powerful expression of love rather than trivialize it. Well done!