精品课程—英美文学 John Donne.ppt

John Donne(1572-1631) I.Introduction 1.Metaphysical School 2.Conceits II.The poem “The Flea” III. The poem “Holy Sonnet 10” or ”Death, Thou Not Be Proud” Metaphysical School A diverse group of 17th century English poets use of intellectual concepts in surprising conceits Poets of this school John Donne Andrew Marvel George Herbert Richard Crashaw etc. Conceits strange paradoxes far-fetched imagery. comparisons that seem far apart “Most heterogeneous ideas are yoked by force togeter” (Samuel Johnson) Brief Introduction to John Donne 1.His life 2.His poems 1)use of conceits 2)complicated reasoning 3)drama 4)tone of his poems 5) suggestions of sensual and physical love 3.His influence The poem “The Flea” The speaker: an amorous man The addressee: a somewhat reluctant lady The situation: the man tries to persuade to lady to make love with him His reasoning: Since our blood is mingled within the body of the flea, it is unnecessary or useless for you to refuse my proposal of love or marrieage. The conceits used in the poem The flea as the marriage bed, marriage temple; killing of the flea regarded as commiting three sins. The poem “Holy Sonnet 10” ( “Death, Thou Not Be Proud”) Why death should not be proud? Death is compared with sleep, pictures, desperate men, kings,wars, famines and other causes of death. paradox “death, thou shall die” Christian idea that after one’s death he may have eternity of life in this sense there is no death. form of poetry Italian Sonnet: abba abba cdd cef Additional Reading: Meditation X VII No man is an island, entire of himself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main….and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee * *