AIR AND ANGELS (THEMES/ CONCIETS)

Question 1

What themes are explored in Air and Angels?

Answer 1

1. Relationship (intersection) between spirtual and physical love.
2. Idealised love.
3. Intellectual love.
4. Gender roles.

Question 2

How does the poem explore the relationship (intersection) between spirtual and physical love?

Answer 2

• The speaker argues that love originates as a spiritual force, but must take on a physical form to be fully realized, much like angels needing air to manifest.
• Expands Neoplatonic philosophy, which divides love into (sensual) and (spiritual) - Donne suggests they are interdependent.

Question 3

How does the poem explore idealised/ platonic love?

Answer 3

• Donne uses celestial imagery to express the idea of love as a etheral, and divine. Existing in a realm of ideal forms similar to Angels.

Question 4

How does the poem explore intellecual love?

Answer 4

• Donne constructs love as something to be analysed, and interrogated rather than just felt.
• The poem functions almost as a syllogism (presenting an abstract idea, developing it, reaching a conclusion)

Question 5

How does the poem reflect traditional Rennaissance gender roles?

Answer 5

• The speaker suggests that there will always be fundamental differences between male and female love (comparing this difference to Air and Angels)
• As men experience love intellectually, whilst women embody it physically.

As is ‘twixt air and angels’ purity,
‘Twixt women’s love, and men’s, wil

Question 6

What critic is best applicable to Air and Angels?

Answer 6

• Donne is a “curious explorer of body and soul” - Douglas Bush