John Donne’s poetry, which we will read today, takes up the big issued of being a human being: Love, Death, and God. Take some time to explore your inner head and heart spaces. Try to articulate the feelings and thoughts you have about some of these intangible yet important topics…
Metaphysical poetry… 'metaphysical' is 'after or beyond the physical.‘ questions about metaphysics ponder the nature of reality… 2
John Donne ( ), the founder of the metaphysical school of poetry and the greatest representative of the metaphysical poets, was born of a family with a strong Roman Catholic tradition. He was educated at the Trinity College, Cambridge. 3
As a young man hungry for adventures, he went with Essex on the expedition to Cadiz in 1596 and later became secretary to Lord Keeper Egerton. In 1601 he eloped with the niece of Lord Keeper and was imprisoned by the girl's father. For several years after his release, he lived in poverty. But during this time he wrote some of his most beautiful poems, many of which were believed to have been written to his wife. These were known as his youthful love lyrics. 4
Married in 1601, had 12 children (incl. 2 stillborns) Three more children died before age 10 His wife died in 1617; he never remarried Rare for this time In a state of despair, Donne noted that the death of a child would mean one less mouth to feed, but he could not afford the burial expenses
In 1615 he gave up Catholic faith and entered the Anglican Church and soon became Dean of Saint Paul's Church. As the most famous preacher during the time, he wrote many religious sermons and poems. And these were known as his sacred verses. 6
Hyperbole: extreme exaggeration… What is the speaker’s attitude towards love? Towards women? 7
Metaphysical Conceit: odd and surprising figures of speech, where one thing is compared to another thing very much unlike it… What is the difference between “dull sublunary love” and the love of the two in this poem? 8
The ultimate oneness of humanity … The Most Astounding Fact (Neil DeGrasse Tyson) How can “affliction [be] a treasure”? (Is their value in suffering?) 9
You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens. Rumi 10
Death as an awakening into eternity… “Soul’s delivery” Modern Parallel: Arcade Fire’s “My Body is a Cage” (2007) 11
Modern Parallel: Arcade Fire’s “My Body is a Cage” (2007) In groups of 2-3, discuss and develop an interpretation of this song. Be prepared to share your insights with the class. 12
Read and take notes on “The Renaissance Theater” and “William Shakespeare” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth: Sources for the Play” (pgs ) Due Tuesday, 11/25 Wuthering Heights CASS Paper Due Monday, 12/1