Assumptions of Love in 21st Century American Culture and 17th Century English Context: A Comparative Analysis

QUESTION

• 10-12 page paper (double spaced) on 21st century American/Western culture assumptions of love and the crisis around it versus 17 century English context ideologies of erotic love.
• How did they have different assumptions (e.g. mechanisms, obligations, categories of love — self-love, erotic love, love for God)? What was the role of these poets in the evolution of the idea of romantic love, and how did the gendering of love function? Explain and illustrate the different instances where these alternative views manifest themselves in specific poems, how it gets signaled/flagged by certain actions or keywords that we would automatically know it’s referencing an emotion or vibe, and how we would interpret this in the modern era of love. Use both modern poetry about love and 17th-century poetry, mainly from John Donne. The crisis around love may be interpreted in multiple instances including the loss of a loved one, sexual behavior, self-love, love for God, love for nature, etc.
• How erotic rejection was responded to and dealt with in 17th-century poetry versus how it would be processed/understood now. For example, keywords (e.g. thirst, erotic, ecstasy) meanings in the 17th-century English context versus how they would be interpreted now.
• ALL modern/21st century poets must be cited using footnotes or endnotes, using any of the standard citation systems (MLA or APA). If you use any sources apart from the poems in the document below (excluding any John Donne poems as they are widely found online and a majority of the basis of this paper), you must cite those sources in footnotes or endnotes, using any of the standard citation systems.

ANSWER

Assumptions of Love in 21st Century American Culture and 17th Century English Context: A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

Love, as a concept, has undergone significant transformations throughout history. This essay explores the different assumptions about love in 21st-century American culture and 17th-century English context, focusing on mechanisms, obligations, categories of love, and the role of poets in shaping the idea of romantic love. Additionally, it examines how love is gendered and the manifestation of alternative views in specific poems. Furthermore, it discusses the response to erotic rejection in 17th-century poetry and how it differs from contemporary understanding.

 Different Assumptions about Love

 Mechanisms of Love: In 17th-century English context, love was often portrayed as a divine force, guided by fate and predetermined. In contrast, 21st-century American culture views love as a more individualistic pursuit influenced by personal choice and compatibility.
Obligations of Love: English context emphasized the role of duty and societal expectations in love, while contemporary culture focuses more on personal fulfillment and happiness.
Categories of Love: English context recognized different categories of love, including self-love, erotic love, and love for God. In contrast, modern culture places a strong emphasis on romantic love.

 Role of Poets in the Evolution of Romantic Love

John Donne and 17th-century Poetry: John Donne’s poetry played a significant role in shaping the idea of romantic love in English context. His metaphysical poetry explored the complexities of love, challenging traditional notions and emphasizing the power of passionate connection.
Modern Poetry on Love: Contemporary poets continue to explore love in diverse ways, highlighting themes of individuality, desire, and emotional vulnerability. Their work reflects the changing dynamics and expectations in romantic relationships.

Gendering of Love

 17th-century Gender Roles: In English context, love was often portrayed from a male perspective, with women often seen as objects of desire or idealized figures. Women were expected to embody virtues such as purity and obedience.
Contemporary Gender Dynamics: 21st-century American culture challenges traditional gender roles, encouraging more equitable and inclusive expressions of love. Modern poetry reflects a broader range of perspectives and experiences, highlighting the complexities of love in diverse relationships.

 Manifestation of Alternative Views in Specific Poems

John Donne’s “The Sun Rising”: This poem exemplifies the rejection of societal constraints on love, with the speaker asserting that their love transcends worldly boundaries.
Modern Poetry: Contemporary poems often challenge conventional notions of love, exploring themes of non-traditional relationships, self-love, and the complexity of emotions.

 Response to Erotic Rejection

17th-century Poetry: In 17th-century English context, erotic rejection was often depicted as a source of anguish and longing. Poets expressed their despair through themes of unrequited love and the pain of separation.
Contemporary Understanding: In the modern era, erotic rejection is approached with a greater emphasis on individual autonomy and emotional resilience. Poets explore themes of personal growth, self-love, and the recognition of one’s worth beyond romantic relationships.

Conclusion

The assumptions about love in 21st-century American culture differ significantly from those of the 17th-century English context. Poets like John Donne played a crucial role in shaping the concept of romantic love, challenging traditional notions and exploring the complexities of human emotions. The gendering of love has also evolved, with contemporary culture embracing more inclusive and diverse perspectives. By examining specific poems, we can observe how alternative views on love manifest themselves through actions, keywords, and emotional vibes. Moreover, the response to erotic rejection has transformed, reflecting changing societal norms and individual empowerment in the modern era.