“Sermon XXIII” and “Holy Sonnets” by John Donne

Background:  John Donne (1572-1631) was a British poet and prose writer.  In 1615 he was ordained as an Anglican clergyman and appointed royal chaplain the next year by James I.  His sermons were regarded as the most eloquent and brilliant of the time.  Even though most of his poetry was not published until after his death (by his son), his sensuous religious imagery was very influential throughout his era and (after an eclipse during the 18^th century) gained a new appreciation earlier this century through the efforts of Pound and T.S. Eliot.  

Web resources:  The Luminarium web-site contains much useful information about John Donne, including collections of his poetry and links to interpretative essays.  The John Donne Society also maintains a web-page with much helpful information.

Discussion questions:

Notice how Donne takes a phrase from scripture (1 Corinthians 13:12), which was read at the Mass for the day, to provide the guiding motif for his sermon.  (281)

What do you think of Donne’s first point (282), that knowledge of God alone is sight or knowledge, whereas all other sight is blindness and all other knowledge is ignorance?  What does he mean?  If you can figure that out, do you agree with him?  Why or why not?  Notice how his second point, that there is a twofold sight and knowledge of God qualifies this to some extent.

What do you make of Donne’s contrast (282) with how we see God now (place = natural world, medium = creation, light = natural reason) with the way we shall see God (place = God, medium = God, light = God).  What does he mean by this?  Does this bear any relationship to anything you are aware of?  To any earlier readings?

In his reflections on the theatre or place where we find God, Donne explores how God is to be found even in hell (284).  What does he mean by this?  Why is he using this example to make his point here?

How does Donne use the figure of the “gnat” (284) to explore how any creature may be the medium through which we may see God?

What is the basic point behind Donne’s claim regarding atheists? (285)

Turning now to his poetry (287-8), what is the basis for Donne’s taunt (?) to death?  Why does he think that those whom death “overthrows” do not die?  What is the point behind calling death a “slave”?  Why is he boasting (?) that poppy and charms are as good as death?

What is the point behind Donne’s images of God “battering,” “breaking,” “bending,” “overthrowing,” “burning,” and so on?  Why should the poet labor to admit God, but to no avail?  Why does he say he is betrothed to God’s enemy?  To what does “divorce” refer?  Why does he ask to be imprisoned?  How does freedom fit into all this?  What do you make of the final line where being “chaste” and “ravished” are connected?