John Donne's journey from Catholicism to Anglicanism deeply influenced his metaphysical poetry and sermons. Facing religious persecution, he studied at Oxford and Cambridge but couldn't graduate due to his faith. His professional life suffered after a secret marriage, but he later became Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. His works, like 'To His Mistress Going to Bed', blend the sacred with the secular and are known for their intellectual depth and inventive style.
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John Donne was born into a Roman Catholic family in London during a time when practicing Catholicism was illegal in England
Sir Thomas More's Execution
John Donne's great uncle, Sir Thomas More, was executed for his faith
Death of Donne's Father
John Donne's father died when he was four years old
Despite challenges, Donne received a stellar education and ultimately converted to Anglicanism, which greatly influenced his literary works and career
Donne worked in the legal field and married Anne More, resulting in his dismissal and incarceration
After his dismissal, Donne experienced financial hardship until King James I's patronage led to his ordination in 1615
Donne became the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in 1621, but also experienced personal sorrow with the death of his wife in 1617
Donne's poetry was initially shared privately among friends
Romantic, Religious, and Irreverent Themes
Donne's works spanned various themes, often intertwining the sacred with the secular
Metaphysical Style
Donne's poetry was celebrated for its intellectual vigor and inventive style
Donne's masterful use of literary techniques and conceits, as described by critic Samuel Johnson, is apparent in his works
'To His Mistress Going to Bed' is a metaphysical poem that uses intricate literary techniques to explore themes of desire and seduction
Power Play Between the Sexes
Donne employs imagery of armor to discuss the power play between men and women
Symbolism of Clothing
Clothing is imbued with symbolic significance, representing societal status and the roles imposed upon women
The poem comments on the gender inequities of the 17th century and the transformative power of love and intimacy
00
The renowned poet ______ was born into a Catholic family in ______ in 1572, during a time when Catholicism was outlawed in England.
John Donne
London
01
After a journey of faith that included skepticism, ______ ultimately embraced ______ which had a significant impact on his writings and profession.
John Donne
Anglicanism
02
John Donne's early lifestyle
Extravagant and secular, funded by inheritance.
