Grave

The grave symbolizes peace and unity for the two lovers. Unfortunately, the speaker begins the poem with the knowledge that his grave will likely be broken open at some point in the future "some second guest to entertain" (2). That the lovers cannot be left alone to rest peacefully together is another suggestion by Donne that the Catholic church is more interested in objects and iconography than they are in personal relationships with God.

Bracelet of Hair

The bracelet of hair symbolizes earthly love. The speaker imagines that he will be buried with a strand of his beloved's hair around his wrist as a means of connecting them in the afterlife after having been lovers on earth. This symbol will, according to the speaker, by misinterpreted by the grave digger who will attach more importance to it and have the couple's bones declared relics. This image of...