Milton, Donne, and Herrick

John Milton

    • Read one more piece of your choice from Dartmouth.
      • 5.  Copy down one fine line you like and tell us why you like it.
     
     
  • End of Milton Assignment
    • For Further Reading:
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John Donne


    Now, we read a bit of John Donne.

    • Brief Biographical Information
      • (1572--1631), born in London, England
      • Roman Catholic in His Upbringing
        • In fact, though he attends both Oxford and Cambridge, he receives no degree because he will not take the Oath of Allegiance. 
      • He works as a lawyer. 
      • His brother dies in prison in 1593.  Henry had given sanctuary to a Roman Catholic priest, was put in prison, contracted a fever, and died.  
      • John Donne questions his own faith. 
      • Donne begins writing in earnest (satires and poetry) around this time (1593ish). 
      • He inherits a fortune but squanders it on foolish living. 
      • His career is advancing, though, and, later, in 1601, he marries Anne More, the niece of a legal patron...which proved disastrous (imprisonment, loss of post, etc.). 
      • In 1607, King James wishes to make him a pastor.  Donne refuses. 
      • In 1610-11 he writes tracts that show a public reversal of his religious opinion (from Roman Catholic to Anglican). 
      • In 1616, Donne finally concedes to the King's pressure and becomes a Royal Chaplain.
      • Anne dies in 1617, age 33, after giving birth their twelfth child. 
      • Donne writes no more love sonnets. 
      • Donne publishes meditations (1624). 
      • Donne dies in 1631, after writing "Hymn to God, in My Sickness."
    •  Journal: John Donne: Answer questions for any one of the poems given.  Please provide complete answers in complete sentences.

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    * Robert Herrick



    * Robert Herrick (1591--1674)
    • Royalist
    • At age 22, enters Cambridge
    • Son of Ben (poetry group) 
    • Ordained in 1623
    • Given Orders in Devon in 1629 (leaving London for the southwest of England)
    • Ejected from his vicarage in 1647 when he would not sign the Solemn League and Covenant. 
    • Restored to his post in 1662 (Charles II was restored in 1660).
    • Dies in 1647 (age 83).

    * Reading:
     * Journal 18: John Donne and Robert Herrick
    • In one paragraph, describe a key difference between John Donne and Robert Herrick's style.  Incorporate at least one quotation from a poem from either poet to support your ideas.
    • The musician Charles Costa goes by the name of King Charles.  What kind of image do you think he is projecting?  Is his image intended to invoke a Cavalier/Royalist or a Roundhead/Commonwealth connotation?  Explain. 

    Prince Rupert (example of cavalier dress):



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