- Term: Copy the first sentence of this, please: Metaphysical Conceit
- As we consider love poetry, here's a little reminder that the better angels of Western Civilization (chivalrous ideals, particularly) are worth preserving:
Now, we read a bit of John Donne.
- Brief Biographical Information
- (1572--1631), born in London, England
- Roman Catholic in His Upbinging
- 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."
- For these readings and questions, we will use Perrine's literature. Please read the following:
- "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," 801
- "At the round earth's imagined corners," 956 (why did I not capitalize?)
- "Death, be not proud," 971
- "Break of Day," 747
- For Fun:
- Question 6: Answer questions for any one of the poems given. Please provide complete answers in complete sentences.
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