John Donne

1572 - 1631 *

author of metaphysical and love poetry that is among the greatest ever written

Donne's metaphysical poetry makes use of complex, shifting images which are remarkably convincing to the reader. The greatness of his poetry is the simplicity in the ideas expressed - despite the use of extensive techniques and varying images, a simple and complete argument is moulded in all of the poet's works.

At an early age, Donne entered the University of Oxford, and later had a short stint at Cambridge University. He did not receive a degree from either university; but subsequently studied law and worked as a lawyer.

He became a priest of the Anglican Church in 1615, after deserting the Catholic faith in which he was brought up. His collection of Holy Sermons, 160 Sermons is some of his most interesting work.

Donne's metaphysical poetry and the irregular techniques he employed which were so unique for his time had a profound influence on many authors.

          Source: Classics Network Editorial Team

DONNE, JOHN (1573—1631), English poet and divine of the reign of James I, was born in 1573 in the parish of St Nicholas Olave, in the city Of London. His father was a wealthy merchant, who next year became warden of the Company of Ironmongers, but died early in 1576. Donne’s parents were Catholics, and his mother, Elizabeth Heywood, was directly descended from the sister of the great Sir Thomas More; she was the daughter of John Heywood the epigrammatist. As a child, Donne’s precocity was such that it was said of him that “this age hath brought forth another Pico della Mirandola.” He entered H... [read entire biography]

          Source: External Publication

These essays offer analysis of the author's life and works. Many of them have been submitted by users, and are assigned an Editorial Rating on a scale from one to five stars to assist you in evaluating their worth. See also: Note on Essays, Editorial Policy.

     

Symbolism and Meaning in “The Canonization” by John Donne -- Analysis of Canonisation by John Donne
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Donne and Findley: Comparisons Vpon Contentalist Existences -- I compare John Donne to Timothy Findley and thusly derive the ways in which Donne foreshadows modern philisophical and literary trends
By kurdt, Student	Editorial Rating:

John Donne -- A historical/topical look at the life of John Donne
By Gina Quam, Student	Editorial Rating:

Take the poet, John Donne – 1572 – 1631 and comment on how the life and times of his era is reflected in their writing. -- The piece examines the life and times of the enigmatic poet, John Donne.
By Kate Bardwell, Student	Editorial Rating:

     

Miscellaneous

		John Donne at Luminarium -- a site at Luminarium, containing a biography, works, essays, and resources for the study of Donne http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/donne... Editorial Rating: Number of Visitors: 2740 7 users have rated it an average of 4.71 stars     [rate it] John Donne - Biography and Analysis -- nicely presented biographical information, and analysis of some of Donne's sonnets http://www2.wku.edu/~vanzekm/ Editorial Rating: Number of Visitors: 3690 5 users have rated it an average of 4 stars     [rate it]

     

  He was the Word, that spake it:
He took the bread and brake it;
And what that Word did make it,
I do believe and take it.

John Donne , Divine Poems. On the Sacrament.

  We understood
Her by her sight; her pure and eloquent blood
Spoke in her cheeks, and so distinctly wrought
That one might almost say her body thought.

John Donne , Funeral Elegies. On the Death of Mistress Drury.

  She and comparisons are odious.

John Donne , Elegy 8. The Comparison.

  Who are a little wise the best fools be.

John Donne , The Triple Fool.

  For this Love is enraged with me, Yet kills not ; if I must example be To future rebels, if th' unborn Must learn by my being cut up and torn, Kill, and dissect me, Love ; for this Torture against thine own end is ; Rack'd carcasses make ill anatomies.

John Donne , Poems

   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 if a manor 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 ,

   It is never the shallower for the calmnesse. The Sea is a deepe, there is as much water in the Sea, in a calme, as in a storme.

John Donne ,

   It (death) comes equally to us all, and makes us all equal when it comes.

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 if a manor 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 ,

  We understood Her by her sight; her pure and eloquent blood Spoke in her cheeks, and so distinctly wrought That one might almost say her body thought. - Dr. John Donne,

Dr. John Donne , Funeral Elegies--Of the Progress of the Soul--Death of Mistress Elizabeth Drury

More quotes by this author are available...

Additional searches

Donne at Encarta Encyclopedia

Donne at Britannica Encyclopedia

Donne at Xrefer.com