John Donne 15721631

1
John Donne1572-1631
2
John Donne

• Born 1572 in London, England
• Died 1631 in London, England
• Considered the most significant Metaphysical Poet

3
HISTORY

• There was much theological and political unrest
  both in England and in France.
• In France, there was the Protestant massacre on
  St. Bartholomews Day (August 24, 1572).
• In England, Catholics were the persecuted
  minority.

4
HISTORY

• Donne was born into a Roman Catholic family.
• His relationship with religion was both
  tumultuous and passionate.
• Therefore, religion was at the center of his
  poetry.

5
EDUCATION

• Studied at both Oxford and Cambridge during his
  teen years.
• He did not take a degree because to do so would
  have meant to adopt the 39 Articles, the doctrine
  that defined Anglicanism.
• Beginning in 1592, he studied law.
• In 1594, Donne succumbed to religious pressure
  and joined the Anglican Church after his younger
  brother, jailed for his Catholic loyalties, died
  in prison.

6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• In 1601, Donne married 16 year old Anne More.
• Mores father disapproved of the marriage, had
  Donne briefly imprisoned and provided no dowry.
• Donne suffered much social and financial
  instability, made more severe by the birth of
  many children.

7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• In 1615, James I pressured Donne to enter the
  Anglican Ministry
• Also in 1615, Donne is appointed Royal Chaplain.
• In 1617, Donnes wife, now 33 years old, died
  shortly after giving birth to their 12th child, a
  stillborn.
• Donnes Holy Sonnets are attributed to this phase
  of his life.

8
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• In 1621, he becomes Dean of St. Pauls Cathedral.
• In later years, through a thorough examination of
  paradox, Donnes writing reflected his fear of
  his inevitable death.
• Donne dies in London, England, in 1631.