How do you respond to the view that Michael Symmon Essays

How do you respond to the view that Michael Symmons Roberts presents modern love as empty of romance? It is possible to agree with the view that Symmons Roberts presents modern love as empty of romance, as he portrays the lack of romance and lust surrounding the feminine form through further use of the map metaphor used by Donne in Elegy XIX: to his mistress going to bed. Symmons Roberts juxtaposes Donne's romantic description of the female body; "as your mistress strips for bed, her body is already mapped". This abrupt continuation and use of the word "mapped" connotes unpleasant ownership of the female body. Moreover, this is further conveyed through the use of a declarative statement;"it is a textbook of disease". The use of the word "textbook" implies a lack of complexity or excitement as a written piece, but something plain and lacking intrigue. In addition, the use of the word "disease" heavily implies the female body is abhorred and disgusting,Thus juxtaposing John Donne's romantic portrayal of his mistress, who described her body as a "mystic book". The implication of disease further connotes Symmons Roberts interest in DNA and gene patenting and the influence of modern knowledge on genetics,adopting the perspective of a biologist rather than a romantic (like Donne). This is further conveyed at the end of the poem, through the list of DNA codes from the BRCA1 gene, which has connections with breast cancer. Symmons Roberts debases the facade of the mistress' body conveyed by Donne, instead depicting a grotesque perspective on the feminine body. Although this presentation of the female body is atypical of love poems, this vulgar presentation of women is also portrayed in Seamus Heaney's Punishment when describing Windeby; "shaved head like a black corn", conveying that both authors may be seeking to portray the truth of love instead of romanticising. However, this may be interpreted as a criticism by Symmons Roberts, it may not be his own personal view but the view of modern society. Furthermore, it is possible to agree with the view that Symmons Roberts presents modern love as empty of romance as he conveys that the romantic notion of discovery of your partner within a relationship, as conveyed by John Donne in Elegy XIX to his mistress going to bed, is a facade. Symmons Roberts directly addressed John Donne "you call her your America-too right". The use of "your America" conveys a sense of perceived ownership, as a reference to Donne's infamous description; "Oh my America! My new found land!". Through this direct address, Symmons Roberts may be implying that Donne's (and males universally) perceived self discovery of their lover is naive. This is further conveyed through Symmons Roberts use of alliteration; "mastered by medics, laid bare." The use of hyperbole "mastered" almost conveys a satirical tone; his mistress has been studied and discovered in depth enough to be mastered biologically and academically. The references to geographical discovery within love further convey each author's perspective in respect to their culture; Donne represents the relevance of geographical discovery at the time, and the mystery surrounding the discovery of America, whereas Symmons Roberts portrays the modern relevance of science and genetic patenting, in a society where America is well known and established. Futhermore, Symmons Roberts debases the illusion of intimacy and romance within modern love, as he writes; "banker's tired of gold have bought a piece of her and you." The language "bought" connotes materialism and quantification of both partners within the relationship, implying that there is no privacy or romance, that love is owned. PARA 2 = DISCOVERY MAPS CHARTS ALL KNOWN SCIENTIFIC NOT ROMANTIC