Critics Appreciation of The Ecstasy by John Donne: Introduction, Summary, Theme and Conclusion -- englit.in

Q: Critically discuss with reference the poem, “The Ecstasy” by John Donne. 

A spiritual poem, "The Ecstasy" was written by metaphysical poet, John Donne. It was first published in 1635. Donne's poem has been interpreted in most opposite senses and pseudo-logic significances. In this course, it shows highest spirituality expressive either of Platonic or Christian love. A French poet, Merrit Hughes expresses, "The Extasie is so difficult a poem that we ought, perhaps, to welcome all critical disagreement about it and to be wary of any attempt to establish an orthodox interpretation." It consists of 19 stanzas, and the rhyme scheme sets as ABAB.

In this passionate dramatic monologue, the speaker tries to convince his beloved to transcend physical love and achieve a spiritual union of souls. He argues that true lovers share one unified soul, while their bodies are mere outward forms. Their intellectual and emotional connection allows them to defy physical separation. The poet shows, “This ecstasy doth unperplex,--/We said, and tell us what we love;--/We see by this it was not sex--/We see we saw not what did move.” Nonetheless, he maintains that bodily pleasure is meaningless without the souls' mutual love to animate it. He explores the relationship between body and soul are earthly and heavenly love. Ultimately, he affirms that both physical and spiritual oneness constitute the ecstasy of ideal love.

To conclude, Donne's metaphysical poem "The Ecstasy" is surely suggesting the absurdity of a too facile reconciliation of the two sides of the lovers’ experience, and imposes an irony on the Neo-platonic idealism. He  explores the depths of both platonic and physical love, and emphasizes their intertwined nature in creating a profound emotional connection. Additionally, Michael McCanles points out that Donne presents, "…an assertion of interdependence between body and soul which is just the reverse of the Platonic view."