English Poetry in the Baroque Period John Donne and the English Sonnet

Learning objectives Distinguish between the characteristics of the Italian sonnet and the English (Shakespearean) sonnet. (1) Identify specific elements of English (Shakespearean) sonnet within each examined poem (2). Identify specific elements of the Baroque style within each piece. (2) Outline and evaluate the thesis or central message of poem in the context of the English Reformation (3). In what way(s) are these works important or relevant now? (5)

John Donne ( )

“Death Be Not Proud” Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not soe, For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow, Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill mee. From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee, Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow, And soonest our best men with thee doe goe, Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie. Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men, And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell, And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well, And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then? One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally, And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die. John Donne as Baroque Poet John Donne ( ) “Death Be Not Proud” Holy Sonnet 10 Holy Sonnets 1633

John Donne and DNBP

MEDITATION XVII “Devotions upon Emergent Occasions” John Donne No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne as Baroque Poet John Donne ( ) “MEDITATION XVII” Aka “No Man is an Island” Devotions upon Emergent Occasions 1624

Identify specific elements of the Baroque style within each piece.

A more modern repurposing of Donne’s work?

Learning objectives Distinguish between the characteristics of the Italian sonnet and the English (Shakespearean) sonnet. (1) Identify specific elements of English (Shakespearean) sonnet within each examined poem (2). Identify specific elements of the Baroque style within each piece. (2) Outline and evaluate the thesis or central message of poem in the context of the English Reformation (3). In what way(s) are these works important or relevant now? (5)