The Extasie Summary by John Donne

The Extasie

-        John Donne

        The poem Extasie was written by John Donne. He is the father of Metaphysical poetry. In this poem he expresses his unique idea about love. He believes that real love exists only when love is both physical and spiritual.

        In the first stanza of the poem two lovers sit on the bank of the river. Both are looking at each other and holding their hands tightly. Their hands are cemented and eyes are strung on a thread. This shows their physical intimacy.

        The poet compares the lovers to two equally powerful armies were their souls are waging war against  each other. In this war victory lies on both the sides. The two bodies remain motionless like ‘statues’ as their souls are hanging out. The language spoken by these souls can be understood only by true lovers. According to Donne love is both physical and spiritual.

        True love is the fusion of two pure souls. When both the souls combines together an abler soul is formed. This new soul is more abler and purer like a transplanted violet flower. A transplanted violet flower develops in strength, color and size. The abler soul is more refined than the other two souls.

        Both of them have ignored their bodies for a long time. We are a spiritual being and our bodies are the sphere within which we revolve. Our body is not a dross, but an alloy which helps pure metal to become more stronger. So for love making both body and soul are equally important.

        Fusion of physical  and spiritual love enriches the concept of love. The souls should not remain isolated from their body like the captive prince. Souls should return to their body and explore the mystery of love. Body is the book of love. With the help of this book the lovers can explore the great mystery of love. Thus the poet observes that love ripens in the soul.

        The title of the poem ‘Extasie’ is religious. It means the soul holds a communication with God. In this poem the communication is not between the soul and God but between two refined souls. Donne has used religious and philosophical beliefs to illustrate the physical and the material.