The version of this poem used to create this guide appears in: Donne, John. John Donne's Poetry. Ed. Donald Dickson (Norton, 2007).

Note that parenthetical citations within the guide refer to the line number from which the quotation is taken.

John Donne is perhaps the most well-known metaphysical poet of the early modern era. Metaphysical poetry is characterized by its reliance on intellectualism, extended metaphor, and paradox, often using contradictory language and images to argue in favor of something. Donne, who studied at the Inns of Court to become a lawyer, was familiar with logical argumentation and linguistic manipulation, both of which appear in his metaphysical poems. However, Donne also, in his later life, become an Anglican priest, serving as the Dean of St. Paul's until his death in 1631. Much of his poetry, therefore, is focused on spirituality and man's relationship with God.

The elements of metaphysical and devotional poetry are both present in "The Sun Rising." While not one of Donne's most canonized poems, "The Sun Rising" employs many of the same techniques he uses in his more famous work. In the poem, an unnamed speaker chides the morning sun, asking it to leave him and his beloved alone so they can remain in bed for the day. He disparages the sun's brightness compared to that of his beloved before noting that, since his love encompasses eternity, the sun can warm the entire world by shining on him and his beloved alone.