The Theme Of Love In John Donnes Holy Sonnet XIV

Have you ever wanted something that you knew was bad for you, but you wanted it anyway? Love is something that is complicated and heady but so easily controls many. As there are many ways to love, it can be something that is equally bad and good for a person. In John Donne’s Holy Sonnet XIV, he captures this sort of uncontrollable and needy desire that comes with love. Throughout the poem he not only speaks of themes that include uncontrollable desire, and not having self-control when it comes to actions of love and sex; but he also builds up these themes through tones he implies and makes in the sonnet through word choice and symbolism. The story explained throughout Donne’s Holy Sonnet XIV is not too complicated to understand. The†¦show more content†¦In the sonnet Donne uses words that contradict each other. For example, in the second line of the sonnet the speaker says â€Å"†¦knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;† where as in the fourth line the speaker says â€Å"†¦break, blow, burn, and make me new.† The ideas Donne presents in these lines contradict because the speaker is saying he wants different things. In the eleventh and twelfth line the speaker states that he wants to be ‘untied’ and yet he also wants to be imprisoned. Then in the last three lines the speaker makes references to being imprisoned and how he â€Å"†¦never shall be free† but he wants to be ravished and enthralled by God in order to become free. This juxtaposition of ideas gives the sonnet a tone of uncertainty. Donne purposely uses these contradictions to show that the speaker cannot decide what he wants. Donne uses words that not only have a distinctly sexual undertone, but also are forceful as if the speaker is unwilling. In the third and fourth line, Donne says â€Å"o’erthrow me, and bend Your force†. This comes across as sexual and could be referring to a sexual partner. Donne refers to the speaker as being ‘enthralled’ in the eleventh line. Enthrall in the Oxford English Dictionary also means to enslave. In the twelfth line Donne also refers toShow MoreRelatedJohn Donne s Metaphysical Poetry2151 Words   |  9 PagesJohn Donne’s metaphysical poetry is where theology crosses with sexuality. The connection between spiritual love and erotic love becomes apparent. Throughout his whole life Donne found love in everything. In his early life his focus was on the love of women, and then it transitioned to the love of his wife, and ultimately the love of God. His work defines the unity of these contrasting ideals in every man and woman. ‘Batter my Heart’ and ‘The Ecstasy’ displayed the connection that can be found betweenRead More Donnes Holy Sonnet XIV - Batter my heart, three persond God1536 Words   |  7 PagesDonnes Holy Sonnet XIV - Batter my heart, three persond God Batter my heart, three persond God; for, you As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend; That I may rise, and stand, oerthrow me, and bend Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new. I, like an usurpt towne, tanother due, Labor to admit you, but Oh, to no end, Reason your viceroy in me, me should defend, But is captivd, and proves weake or untrue, Yet dearelyI love you, and would beRead MoreAnalysis of Holy Sonnet XIV Essay1496 Words   |  6 PagesAnalysis of Holy Sonnet XIV Throughout history, many people have endeavoured to convey their interpretations, or experiences, of the relationship between God and mankind. Many interpretations are positive - Psalm 139 of the Bible, for example, portrays the relationship between man and God as a personal and intimate one - yet just as many are decidedly negative. One such interpretation is Holy Sonnet XIV, an intensely personal poem by John Donne which explores the feelingsRead More Biography of John Donne Essay3729 Words   |  15 PagesBiography of John Donne John Donne was an English poet and probably the greatest metaphysical poets of all time. He was born in 1572 to a Roman Catholic family in London. His father died when John was young leaving his mother Elisabeth to raise him and his siblings. Throughout Donne’s life his experiences with religion were full of trials and tribulations, something that can be clearly seen in his poetry over time. He remained Catholic early in life while he attended both Oxford and Cambridge