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Teaching A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

“A Valediction: forbidding Mourning” is one of Donne’s most famous and simplest poems and also probably his most direct statement of his ideal of spiritual love. The speaker explains that he is forced to spend time apart from his lover, but before he leaves, he tells her that their farewell should not be the occasion for mourning and sorrow.

John Donne
Public Domain

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:

How does Donne use various metaphors to explore the themes of love and separation?
STANDARDS:
RL.1 - Meaning & Evidence, RL.4 - Key Terms & Tone

DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE (DOK) LEVELS:

2,3
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