A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning by John Donne

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning by John Donne

Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School English, ideally 11th or 12th grade.

Subject: Literature

Time Allotment: One class period (approximately 50 minutes)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the poem's structure, rhyme scheme, and use of language.
  • Students will be able to identify the central metaphor and its role in conveying the speaker's emotions.
  • Students will be able to discuss the poem's themes of love, separation, and the power of connection.
  • Students will be able to consider the poem's historical context and Donne's style of Metaphysical poetry.

Materials:

  • Copies of "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" by John Donne
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Literary analysis worksheet focusing on metaphor and symbolism (optional)

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):
  • Briefly introduce John Donne and his place in literary history.
  • Mention his association with Metaphysical poetry, known for its intellectual wit and use of complex metaphors.
  • Briefly discuss the concept of a "valediction," a farewell speech.
  1. Close Reading Activity (20 minutes):
  • Distribute copies of "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning."
  • Guide students through a close reading activity, focusing on:

✵ Structure and form: Identify the number of stanzas and lines. What is the rhyme scheme?

✵ Use of language: What kind of vocabulary does Donne use? Are there any figures of speech, particularly metaphors?

✵ Imagery: How does Donne use sensory details to create a sense of connection?

  1. Metaphor Analysis (20 minutes):
  • Distribute a literary analysis worksheet focusing on metaphor and symbolism (optional).
  • Individually or in small groups, students analyze the central metaphor of the compass:

✵ How does the speaker compare their love to a compass?

✵ What specific details about compasses reinforce the message about connection?

✵ How does this metaphor convey the speaker's emotions about the temporary separation?

  1. Theme Discussion (10 minutes):
  • Lead a class discussion based on the metaphor analysis:

✵ What are the central themes of the poem? Consider love, separation, and the importance of emotional connection.

✵ How does the poem challenge traditional ideas of mourning during a farewell?

✵ How does the use of Metaphysical wit contribute to the poem's meaning?

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for close reading by offering a vocabulary list of unfamiliar words or explaining the concept of Metaphysical poetry.
  • Offer different options for the analysis worksheet (e.g., drawing a visual representation of the compass metaphor, creating a table comparing different aspects of the lovers to parts of the compass).
  • Allow students to choose another poem by John Donne or a different Metaphysical poet to compare and contrast the use of language and imagery.

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the historical context of love and marriage during Donne's time.
  • Have students write their own poem using a metaphor to express a feeling of love, friendship, or connection.
  • Explore other examples of Metaphysical poetry and compare their style to "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning."

Assessment:

  • Participation in close reading activities and class discussions.
  • Completed literary analysis worksheet focusing on metaphor and symbolism (if used).
  • Short essay analyzing the central metaphor and its effectiveness in conveying the poem's themes of love, separation, and connection.