'The Good Morrow' project

Introduction:

'The Good Morrow' is a metaphysical poem written by John Donne and published in 1633. The poem is a dramatic monologue of a lover who is analysing his relationship with his beloved. It has a conversational tone, giving the feeling that the lovers are conversing between themselves and we, the readers, are eavesdropping. 

The poem:

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each stanza depicting a stage of time— past, present and future.

The first stanza:

The first stanza denotes the past when the lovers had not yet 'loved'. This stanza implies that they may have had a physical relationship before, but, now that they had really fell in love, the past relationship felt like a dream or shadow of love. The pleasures experienced through a physical relationship felt childish and fanciful. It was almost as if the couple had been asleep.

The second stanza:

The second stanza denotes the present. It begins with the wishing of 'good morrow' or 'good morning' as they have finally woken from their metaphorical slumber. To them, a little room becomes a World with each other. Their World becomes one and they become each other's World.

The third stanza:

The third stanza is about the future of their relationship and love. The couple take each other to be the two hemispheres of the World. This World is different from ours as it doesn't have the cold of the North pole or the sunset at the West. Meaning, there is no coldness of emotion or an end to their love in their World. The poet points out that their love is mutual and equal in both quantity and ways. That is why, their love can never die.

An inspired series of illustrations:

I have attempted to express each stanza as a drawing inspired by the poem. The storyline of the drawings does not match the storyline of the poem. However, I have taken imageries and symbols from the poem to form a 3 panel short series of illustrations.

The night scene:

The first stanza inspired this nightly scene where two characters sleep in their own bedrooms. Their Worlds, though alike, are separate from each other. However, they still are the two hemispheres of a World that have not joined yet. The colours are used to denote darkness— both of the night and their obliviousness of each other's existence. 

The morning scene:

The second stanza inspired this morning scene, where the two characters are to meet for the first time. Maybe, they will say 'Good morning!' to each other and have a 'love at first sight' moment. The line dividing their Worlds has started to vanish and appears broken in this scene. The sunlight and the bright colours signify their physical as well as metaphorical waking up.

The evening scene:

The third stanza inspired this evening scene where the colours, though similar to the morning scene, give a romantic feeling. The characters stare at the sunset enjoying each other's company. Their World has completely become one, of whose, they are the two hemispheres.

Summary:

External links:

Find the references I used in this pinterest board by clicking the picture or just click here.

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Hope you enjoyed!