Marriage

Marriage is a term defined simply by two individuals taking part in the act of love. To do so, they must conjoin together physically and internally in daily confrontations, whether it is negative or positive. Tasks brought about are not defined by gender, but by how the couple works in unison to work to completion. In the two poems “Valediction” and “Conjoined,” marriage is taken in to consideration upon to two different meanings. Couples ultimately decide how to define and enforce aspects upon his or her marriage. In Donne’s “Valediction,” the couple chooses to live through incessant happiness even through times of trial. This is their goal to strive towards their achievement in marriage. On the other hand, such as in Minty’s “Conjoined,” the couple can look upon their relationship as an eternity of servitude, and taking in satisfaction for themselves, not for the best of one another. In both Donne and Minty’s poems, the authors use symbolism, metaphors, and similies to provide complementary ideals on the institution of marriage.

Both poems symbolize their ideals by using tangible items to give the readers an overall understanding of their insight of love. For instance, Donne uses his perception of love by using a beautiful, yet valuable object such as gold. He states, “…a breach, but an expansion like gold to airy thinness beat.” Gold is a solid object that is usually looked upon as a “precious metal.” By choosing an element that is “solid” and virtually sturdy, it exhibits that marriage is a lifetime bondage that can endure any conflict that may be encountered. Whether coming across something effortless or challenging to overcome, both act in harmony to complete a given situation that stands strong between the two. The “precious metal” reveals that both are as of cherished and beloved metals that are respected upon each other highly. Furthermore, gold presents the idea of beauty and glory. For example, as it is bringing about the symbolism in gold in the poem it states, “Our two souls therefore, which are one, through I must go…” Souls of the human body are of distinctive value. Each individual containing not just one soul, but two because of their life partner, is an indication of the beauty of romance. Both souls come in unison to be loved and valued just as a piece of gold would be displayed. Marriage provides the couple with a gift, such as this insight on love, to make the relationship grow unconditionally and grow in a manner that is idolized. In contrast, Minty symbolizes marriage with more of a negative connotation, exhibiting the pessimistic views of marriage. With using symbolism of an onion or an onion’s “skin”, it, overall, gives of a bitter connotation. Onions naturally create tears when it is cut, although, if it is cut in the process of love and tears do not occur, it obviously means emotionally there is no attachment or love being obtained. It is like a constant battle to fight for what the other wants, while the other half of the onions follows wherever the other goes, even without agreement. It gives off the impression that marriage is a hopeless institution. Furthermore, the skin of the onion is used to symbolize marriage as inescapable in a negative way. The skin holds the two together, not their emotions. This is ultimately unnatural. The two halves symbolize a husband and a wife, although, the onion is the marriage, not the individuals.

Donne considers marriage as the ultimate reward of love and affection, and even makes a married couple in the poem seem rather unreal in regards to their marriage. The marriage is seen as to almost perfection, which draws attention to a high outlook to their marriage. These seem to outcast other marriages and belittle others that are not near their positive standards. For instance, Donne employs the metaphor, “So let us melt, and make no noise, no tear-floods, nor sigh-tempest move, twere profanation of our joys to tell the laity of our love.” Both individuals “melt” and become as one solid soul. In this quote, Donne explains that the love obtained is to the point of almost perfect, that it is above regular marriages an individual one usually comes across. One could never experience what this couple has done with love in their marriage. The comprehension level of the love could not even be understood. In contrast, Minty gives the perception that marriage is forced upon people and that all must experience it. He uses the simile, “An accident, like the two-headed calf rooted in one body, fighting to suck at its mother’s teats…” This can be viewed as monstrous, and ultimately unnatural. “Calf” is also a term for a baby, which illustrates it is still in youth. This reveals immaturity. Therefore, Minty believes a young stage of life and is almost brought upon as a necessity. It is, overall, a forced situation.

All in all, marriage is common to all individuals. Marriage is defined how the couple perceives it; both if they join in unison and work together or if they struggle to accept they must join together and compromise with one another. Happiness is an act that is decided by the couple. Therefore, if marriage is a lifetime commitment, it is the couple’s decision to decide if they are ultimately content or not.