Metaphysical Poetry by John Donne

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary theme explored in John Donne's poetry as exemplified in 'The Flea' and 'A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning'?

The intricacies of language and grammar

The nature of social class in 17th century London

Experiences of joy and grief in relationships (correct)

Metaphysical concepts of existence and spirituality

In 'The Flea', what metaphor does Donne use to persuade his beloved of physical union?

A celestial body

A compass

A flea (correct)

A wedding ring

How does Donne compare the relationship between lovers in 'A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning'?

To a dance with separate but connected movements

To a compass with joined yet moving legs (correct)

To a cage where they are trapped

To a journey with separate destinations

What does Ben Jonson’s The English Grammar primarily focus on?

Aspects of syntax, spelling, and pronunciation Signup and view all the answers

Which form of love is celebrated in 'The Flea' compared to 'A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning'?

Carnal love versus spiritual love Signup and view all the answers

What unique contribution did Ben Jonson make to early English linguistics through The English Grammar?

Providing indications of early English pronunciation Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is predominantly used in Donne's poetry, as seen in both featured poems?

Symbolism and metaphor Signup and view all the answers

What iconic element does Jonson describe regarding the letter 'r' in English pronunciation?

It is called 'the Dogs letter' Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is shared by the themes in both of Donne's poems?

They both depict a celebration of unity. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Ben Jonson’s Bartholomew Fair from his other works?

It reflects a straightforward depiction of everyday life. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of Jonson's book printed in Latin and English?

To benefit foreigners familiar with Latin Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the impact of John Milton's Areopagitica?

It had little immediate impact on censorship laws. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the rapid spread of the Great Fire of London in 1666?

Wooden buildings and strong winds Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of John Milton's Paradise Lost?

The justification of God's actions towards humanity Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Aphra Behn's contribution to literature?

She was the first professional women writer in England. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the dramatic structure of The Rover by Aphra Behn?

A battle between strong female characters Signup and view all the answers

How did John Milton's blindness affect the composition of Paradise Lost?

He dictated the poem to amanuenses. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Fire of London in 1666?

The establishment of stricter building codes Signup and view all the answers

What critical discussion does Paradise Lost enact?

The nature of free will versus predestination Signup and view all the answers

Why is Areopagitica considered a significant work today?

It serves as an early manifesto for free speech. Signup and view all the answers

What literary style is primarily utilized in the novel Pamela?

Epistolary Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Tom Jones contributes to its classification as a mock-epic?

The inclusion of irrelevant digressions Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major criticisms of Pamela by contemporary readers?

The heroine's rise above her social class Signup and view all the answers

What notable feature does Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language have?

It listed 40,000 words Signup and view all the answers

Which character serves as Tom's rival in his romantic pursuit?

Master Blifil Signup and view all the answers

What type of humor is frequently present in Tom Jones?

Bawdy humor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the characters encountered by Tom Jones?

They include both good and bad figures Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of Fielding's work on literature?

The introduction of picaresque novels Signup and view all the answers

In Samuel Johnson's Dictionary, how many helpers did he require?

Six helpers Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique is closely associated with the religious or moral overtones in Tom Jones?

Allegory Signup and view all the answers

What type of narrative is Laurence Sterne's 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' often mistaken for?

A typical bildungsroman Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Tristram's storytelling is highlighted in Sterne's narrative style?

Frequent digressions and tangents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features of Tristram Shandy is considered an early example of metafiction?

The incorporation of authorial commentary Signup and view all the answers

Laurence Sterne received criticism from contemporaries for what aspect of his writing?

His borrowings from other texts Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique is employed in Tristram Shandy that leads to humorous results?

Exaggerated metaphors Signup and view all the answers

What was the duration and effort invested in compiling the comparable French Dictionnarre?

55 years and 40 scholars Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Tristram's narrative reflects a modern approach to storytelling?

Emphasis on narrative fragmentation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the humor found in Tristram Shandy?

Subtle wit and irony Signup and view all the answers

What prominent themes are discussed throughout Tristram Shandy?

Identity and storytelling process Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Tristram Shandy challenge traditional narratives?

Through nonlinear storytelling and digressions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

John Donne's Poetry

Metaphysical Poetry: Characterized by intricate rhythms and rich, often contradictory metaphors exploring themes of eroticism, shame, pain, death, and joy.
'The Flea': Uses a flea’s bite as a metaphor for physical union, arguing that the shared blood signifies no barriers to intimacy.
'A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning': Compares the lovers' connection to a compass, symbolizing enduring bond despite physical separation.
Themes: Celebrates carnal love in 'The Flea' and spiritual love in 'A Valediction,' reflecting Donne's characteristic wit and elegance.

Ben Jonson and The English Grammar

Diverse Works: Ranged from comedic plays like Bartholomew Fair to Greek and Roman poetry translations.
The English Grammar: Initially written in 1623, lost in a fire, then rewritten posthumously, offering insight into early 17th-century English.
Language Observation: Discusses syntax, spelling, and pronunciation, with unique notes on the pronunciation of 'r' as 'the Dogs letter'.
Intended Audience: Aimed to assist foreigners with its Latin-English format, despite criticisms regarding its value and clarity.

John Milton's Areopagitica

Context of Censorship: State control over printing established under Henry VIII continued into the 17th century, with severe restrictions.
John Lilburne's Arrest: Arrested for importing prohibited books, faced hefty fines and punishment, highlighting the repression of free speech.
Areopagitica: Written by Milton as a defense of free speech, remains an important text despite its limited immediate impact.
Legacy: Laws relaxed significantly in 1695 allowing flourish of the press and emerging journalism.

The Great Fire of London

Event: The fire ignited on September 2, 1666, in a bakery on Pudding Lane, resulting in widespread destruction.
Destruction Extent: Devastated 373 acres, destroyed over 13,000 houses, 84 churches, including St. Paul's Cathedral.
Contributing Factors: Prevalence of wooden structures, narrow streets, dry weather, and strong winds exacerbated the fire's spread.
Duration: The blaze continued for four days, extinguished primarily due to a change in wind direction.

Milton’s Paradise Lost

Publication: First published in 1667, aims to justify God's expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden.
Satan's Characterization: Portrayed as a charismatic rebel, leading to critiques and interpretations regarding free will and predestination.
Composition Style: Written in blank verse, composed during Milton's blindness, dictated to amanuenses.
Historical Context: Milton was a radical thinker, supporter of civil liberties, and actively campaigned for religious freedom throughout his life.

Aphra Behn and The Rover

Pioneering Role: Behn, first English woman to earn a living as a writer, also worked as a spy for Charles II.
The Rover: Her famous play featuring strong female characters advocating for personal rights and liberation from societal constraints.
Character Dynamics: Focuses on two women, Hellena and Angellica Bianca, navigating love and societal expectations in a libertine society.
Themes: Engages in modern discourse about gender roles, sexual freedom, and challenges entrenched social class limitations.

Epistolary Style and Its Impact

The epistolary style of "Pamela" offers insight into the protagonist's inner thoughts and emotions, praised for its psychological realism.
The novel achieved significant popularity but faced criticism for its portrayal of a heroine breaking class barriers and elevating her status.
Inspired numerous parodies, notably Henry Fielding’s "Shamela" (1741), featuring a social climber as the central character.

Tom Jones by Henry Fielding

"Tom Jones," published in 1749, is among the earliest English novels, notable for its popularity at the time of release.
The narrative follows Tom, a foundling, on his tumultuous journey toward adulthood and matrimony.
Tom's story includes romantic conflict with Master Blifil and a series of misadventures that lead to his expulsion from Mr. Allworthy's home.
The novel is distinguished by its mock-epic style, drawing parallels to heroes of Classical mythology, featuring tangential chapters and bawdy humor.
Samuel Johnson critiqued the novel as nearly "corrupt," showcasing the comic and satirical elements of Fielding’s writing.
Fielding's work significantly influenced later novelists, particularly Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray.

Johnson's Dictionary

Samuel Johnson's "Dictionary of the English Language," first published in 1755, is recognized as one of history’s most significant dictionaries.
Compiled over a span of 8 years with a mere 6 assistants, it defined 40,000 words comprehensively.
Each definition was enriched with illustrative quotations derived from various fields of study, showcasing the dictionary’s scholarly depth.
Contrasts with the French dictionary, which required 55 years and 40 scholars to compile, emphasizing the uniqueness of Johnson's achievement.

Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne

"The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," published in 1759, is recognized for its wit and originality.
The title suggests a traditional bildungsroman, but the narrative diverges into a modern exploration of self-reflection and writing challenges.
Tristram's attempts to recount his life result in digressions, blind alleys, and non-linear storytelling, featuring humorous asides on various topics.
Notable for its illustration of metafiction, Sterne's work was subjected to criticism for textual borrowings but is celebrated today for innovation and humor.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate themes and vivid imagery in John Donne's metaphysical poetry, focusing on 'The Flea' and 'A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning'. This quiz will test your understanding of the emotional depth, metaphors, and rhythmic elements unique to Donne's work. Dive into the meanings behind the poems and their resonant themes.