John Donne

Metaphysical poetry Poetry characterized by intellectual displays and concern with metaphysical, or philosophical, issues. Incorporates the use of two devices (not exclusively) –Conceits – extended metaphors – often mixing abstract ideas and emotions –Paradoxes – images or descriptions that appear contradictory but actually give greater meaning

Two parts of his life Young, wild, married, against the wishes of her uncle, one of the Queen’s high- ranking officials. He was imprisoned and wrote – John Donne Anne Donne Undone

Love Poetry His lengthy marriage to Anne – after he was released from prison – produced 12 children, 7 of whom were still alive when Anne died in 1617 The marriage also produced great love poems

Second part of life After years of poverty – King James I in 1615 insisted Donne join the clergy Royal Chaplain and then dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral No longer writing sly and witty verse he became one of the most popular preachers of his day Still working in the elements of metaphysical poetry into his sermons

Popularity Very popular during his lifetime – had a dramatic flare and wrote passionately about the subjects – love and God Waned in popularity after his death TS Eliot helped to bring back a resurgence of interest in Donne’s work in the twentieth century Donne faced and wrote about modern issues – contemporary audiences can relate to the issues and the style of poetry

Ben Jonson Never liked Donne’s poetry for its use of irregular rhythm and rhyme and for its use of scientific and technological conceits and paradoxes

Ben Jonson Historic accounts picture Jonson at the Mermaid Tavern surrounded by admirers and engaged in duels of wit with Shakespeare and other contemporaries. Jonson emphasized graceful, balanced expression in verse, offering an alternative to what he called Donne’s “rough lines”

Dramatist Jonson also wrote very popular plays – waned in popularity due to the use of satire – they do not translate across time well.

Ageless, classical virtues Clarity Unity Symmetry Proportion

Firsts First to see poetry as an important vocation Risked controversy by publishing his own plays in “Collected Works” a format previously reserved for theological or historical works Claimed professional dignity

Epigrams A short poem or saying in which the writer strives for brevity, clarity, and permanence Epigrams contain –Short lines with bouncy rhythms –Paradoxical twists –Parallelism – parallel phrases or clauses

“On My First Son” Written for Jonson’s son who died In contrast to Holy Sonnet 10 by Donne which argues that death does not matter because it leads to eternal life – Jonson’s poem shows that death sorely wounds those grieving people left behind