With reference to two or three of Donne's Holy Sonnets, consider the similarities between his religious poetry and his romantic / love poetry.

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With reference to two or three of Donne’s Holy Sonnets, consider the similarities between his religious poetry and his romantic / love poetry.

In two of Donne’s romantic poems ‘Valediction: Forbidding Morning’ and ‘The Sun Rising’ The Narrator utilises several techniques and styles that are not dissimilar to those used in his Holy Sonnets ,two examples of which being Sonnet 10 and 1. These similarities stem from many separate sources throughout the poetry. These include an arresting first line, defiant tone and a strong sense of personal feeling on the part of the narrator, a hallmark of a metaphysical poet.

In many of Donne’s pieces its is apparent that each is begun with an arresting first line that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the Sonnet or Song , a tone that is usually unexpected and in direct contrast with the conventional way in which the subject matter , in this case romanticism or religion, is approached;

“As virtuous men pass mildly away,” (Valediction: Forbidding Morning line 1)

“Thou hast made me, and shall thy work decay?” (Holy Sonnet 1 line 1)

 Lines such as these grab the reader’s attention, immediately drawing them to the strong sense of personal feeling felt by the narrator, highlighted by such an abrupt opening.

Throughout both holy sonnets and the narrator’s love poetry, strong personal feeling is apparent. The use of ‘I’ and ‘me’ is especially worthy of note as it personalizes the poetry adding a sense of egoism. This is apparent in both The Sun Rising and Sonnet 10;

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I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink,” (The Sun Rising line 13)

“I run to death and death meets me as fast,” (Holy sonnet 1 line 3)

The language and tone throughout Donne’s work often changes dramatically at key points, utilising ‘but’. This suggests that the narrator is moving vigorously through the piece and thus adding spontaneity and feeling to the poetry,

“But we by a love, so much refin’d,” (Valediction: Forbidding Morning line 17)

 This change of tone coupled with the way in which the narrator questions during the piece creates an aura of ...

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