The poem is in the form of Shakespearian sonnet, this is ironic, due to sonnets being used primarily to express love. Donne uses this to shock and further the extremity of the piece. The form of the poem splits between being imperative and apologetic. The poem begins with imperative sentences such as “ make mee new” and “ o’erthrow me”. The use of imperative sentences give an aggressive and demanding feel. Yet as I reader I can understand Donne has no real command or authority over god. This aggression furthered through the use of the active verbs such as “ batter my heart”. Verbs are used consistently in the first four lines, creating a fast paced start. The poem features a number of complex sentences such as “ I, Like an usuprt towne, to another due”. This adds a sense of intellect and thought giving a structure to the argument and thus appearing well though out.
A lexis of war is evident with words such as “ Knocke, force, breake, defend, enemie”. This relates to the situation Donne is experiencing with God to war, it is a struggle of a man that is deeply troubled and is fighting a battle; possibly referring to his own sins. The repetition of monosyllabic words can be seen, “ Knocke” , “ Breathe” , “Shine”. Once again creating a fast flowing read intensifying the situation and drama. It also allows the poem to start explosively giving the feeling of urgency.
I was particularly fond of the paradoxical sets used in this poem. Examples of these are “ Mend/breake”, “ breathe/blow”, “ Betroth’d,/divorce”. These opposite equivalents are spread through lines two and four. It shows contrast and adds excitement, while illustrating the need for action from God once again creating an urgency to the piece. They are also very shocking at times, Donne claiming he is “ Betroth’d to the enemie” for example. The enemie being the devil, claiming you are destined to be married to the devil is a outrageous thing to say in that era. It only amplifies the sacrifice Donne is trying to make to show God he is desperate. The paradox that Donne will only be free once God imprisons him is something I found particularly intriguing. “ Take mee to you, imprison mee”. A very powerful image that is the pinnacle of desperation in this abstract poem.
The poem uses alliteration, for example “ Break, Blow, Burne”. Takes the initial ‘B” sound from “Batter my heart”. Repeating it in lines two and four. Adding the repetition gives a harsher sound, creating a darker aura and furthering the theme.
The last line could be perceived as inappropriate or untasteful. “ Nor even chaste, except you ravish mee”. The image of rape in the final line is a exceptionally strong conclusion. It is a remarkable comparison of Donne’s relationship with God. And shows the reader perfectly the mental state of which Donne is in. He has sinned to a point and created so many barriers in the way of his faith that only God can save him now, and must act.
The reason I chose to keep this selection is for Donne’s use of logical argument while visiting the extremes of emotional boundaries, creating a haunting struggle, through imagery and violent language of a very troubled man.
