"Holy Sonnet 10" by John Donne

1) Holy Sonnet #10 by John Donne
2) Background information:
John Donne suffered in poverty and developed a depression that stayed with him for the remainder of his adult life. Donne’s young wife gave birth to no less than twelve children, and Donne once lamented that “another death would be one less mouth to feed” but that he could not “afford a burial.” Donne also wrote, put did not publish a poem about suicide. Having contemplated death for such a long time, Donne did not seem to fear death, but on the contrary welcomed it as a long awaited slumber. Towards the end of his life, Donne found a job with the Church of England as a minister. Perhaps Donne’s holy career influenced the religious references in his poem.
3) 5 terms, phrases, or words to define: “soul’s delivery”(8), “why swell’st thou?”(12), “which but thy pictures be”(5), “Then from thee much more must flow”(6), “And poppy or charms”(11).
4) 5 compelling discussion questions:
-How is Death like “rest and sleep,” and what does this comparison imply about Death?
-Why are “poppy, or charms” just like Death and even better? How does this apply to the theme of Death thinking so highly of itself?
-How is Death “slave to Fate, chance, kings, and desperate men?” How does this same theme apply to “And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,” and how does it further degrade death?
-Who is the narrator of the poem? Does our interpretation of the narrator affect whether the poem is meant to be a source of inspiration for the reader, or a personal poem that declares Death is not to be feared? If none of the above, what is your view of the poem’s purpose and from what perspective is it written?
-A reoccurring theme personifies that Death cannot kill and that Death will die. Although a strong metaphor, how does it touch on the meaning of the poem, but leave out its foremost purpose? If you agree, should it be the last line?
5) Summary and analysis:
Donne begins his poem by personifying death by directly addressing it. Donne’s entire poem is a personification of Death, and he continues to address it like a person. Donne first attempts to humble Death by telling it that it is not as terrifying as it believes to be. Although Death is generally mighty and destructive, and can “overthrow” one’s physical being, the poet mocks Death and says it cannot really kill him. Death is next compared to a peaceful eternal sleep, thus destroying Death’s terrifying reputation. In addition, Donne questions why should Death be so proud if all “our best men with thee do go.” Donne continues to berate Death and degrades it as a “slave to Fate” and a mere consequence of disease and war. At the end of the sonnet, Donne makes it apparent that Death is actually weak rather than powerful because all it destroys is physical life, but can never maim the soul.