Podcast
Questions and Answers
What year was 'A Hymn to God the Father' composed?
What year was 'A Hymn to God the Father' composed?
- 1615
- 1620
- 1623 (correct)
- 1630
Which aspect of Donne's poetry is highlighted in 'A Hymn to God the Father'?
Which aspect of Donne's poetry is highlighted in 'A Hymn to God the Father'?
- Romantic relationships
- Nature descriptions
- Devotional character (correct)
- Political themes
How does the poet view his sins in the poem?
How does the poet view his sins in the poem?
- As minimal and forgivable
- As insignificant mistakes
- As a source of pride
- As endless and overwhelming (correct)
What does the poet wish for at the time of his death?
What does the poet wish for at the time of his death?
What is a notable feature of Donne's style as depicted in the poem?
What is a notable feature of Donne's style as depicted in the poem?
What sentiment does the poem ultimately end with?
What sentiment does the poem ultimately end with?
What does the poet express deep regret about in relation to his sins?
What does the poet express deep regret about in relation to his sins?
Which quality is mentioned as uncommon in Donne's religious poetry?
Which quality is mentioned as uncommon in Donne's religious poetry?
Flashcards
Donne's 'Hymn to God the Father'
Donne's 'Hymn to God the Father'
A 17th-century poem expressing deep repentance and prayer for divine forgiveness and blessings.
Poet's Sinfulness
Poet's Sinfulness
The poet in the poem acknowledges a long-lasting history of sinning and influencing others to do so.
Complete Forgiveness
Complete Forgiveness
The poet doubts God's ability to fully forgive his sins.
Poet's Fear of Death
Poet's Fear of Death
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Divine Mercy in Poem
Divine Mercy in Poem
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Poet's Despair
Poet's Despair
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Structure of Poem
Structure of Poem
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Donne's Style
Donne's Style
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Study Notes
John Donne's "A Hymn to God the Father"
- Composed during Donne's illness in 1623, at age 54
- Primarily a devotional poem, despite intellectual interest in religion
- Poet confesses to continuous sin since childhood
- Influences others to sin as well
- Expresses deep repentance and fear of death
- Acknowledges sins are endless, even with God's forgiveness
- A profound exploration of religious faith and suffering
Key Themes
- Repentance and Forgiveness: Deeply regretful for sins, yet fears God's ultimate forgiveness may not fully absolve him.
- Sin and Redemption: Acknowledges ongoing sins despite desire for redemption.
- Devotion and Religious Faith: Poet's religious faith is presented as profound and deeply felt.
- Hope and Despair: A complex mix of hope in God's mercy and despair over the weight of his sins.
Poem Structure
- Three distinct stanzas
- Poetic style is marked by wit, paradox, and a conversational tone.
- Direct and simple language conveys deep religious faith
- Highly dramatic structure that reads like a small drama.
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