The two poems “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne and “Sonnet 116” by William Shakespeare both share the theme of true love’s power of being unbreakable and unmendable. The shared theme of the poems is illustrated through the poet's complex word choice to provide context how the characters' love will continue even when obstacles in life occur. The couple in “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” proves this strength by not being afraid of death, knowing that their love will be continued in the afterlife. Likewise, the character presented in “Sonnet 116” describes true love being capable of conquering anything throughout the partner's lifespan. However, Shakespeare presents the idea that love ends when the couple dies instead of love crossing over to the after-life. Throughout the poem “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” Donne constructs the theme of true love being unbreakable and lasting the eternity of time. This is because of the couple’s passion for each other in that their love, unlike others, will reunite the couple when the husband dies. In this dramatic monologue, the dying man tells his wife how he passionately loves her in attempt to …show more content…
The man attempts to describe to her that their love is different compared to others. Their love, in fact, is sacred. In the third and fourth line of the second stanza, “‘twere profanation of our joys to tell the laity our love” Donne incorporates carefully integrated words of profanation and laity to express his love towards her. The use of the word “profanation” is to express how their love is sacred and it would be blasphemy to show others their joy. The incorporation of the word “laity” meaning non-clergymen or ordinary people is used to evaluate their love for one another to an almost holy level in order to prove that their love is different compared to