Who is one of the important poets of 17th-century English literature?
John Donne
When did John Donne die?
31 March 1631.
Metaphysical poetry mainly belongs to which century?
The 17th century.
Where was John Milton born?
Answer: In London.
5. Who is the author of Paradise Lost?
Answer: John Milton.
1. What does metaphysical poetry combine?
Answer: Philosophy, religion, deep thinking, and unusual comparisons.
2. Which universities did John Donne attend?
Answer: Oxford and Cambridge.
3. Why could Donne not receive a university degree?
Answer: Because he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy.
4. Whom did John Donne secretly marry?
Answer: Anne More.
5. Why did Donne and his family live in poverty for some time?
Answer: Because he lost his job after the secret marriage.
1. What does conceit mean in metaphysical poetry?
Answer: A complex metaphor comparing very different things.
2. How many children did John Donne have?
Answer: 12 children.
3. Why was Donne imprisoned for a short time?
Answer: Because he secretly married Anne More.
4. What famous phrases appear in Devotions upon Emergent Occasions?
Answer: “No man is an island” and “For whom the bell tolls.”
5. Which countries did John Milton visit during his Grand Tour?
Answer: France and Italy.
1. How is metaphysical poetry different from ordinary love poetry?
Answer: It uses philosophical ideas and complex metaphors.
2. What does Donne’s phrase “John Donne, Anne Donne, Undone” mean?
Answer: His marriage ruined his career.
3. How did Donne’s religious beliefs change during his life?
Answer: He was born Catholic but later became a priest in the Church of England.
4. What personal tragedy deeply affected Donne?
Answer: The death of his wife Anne.
5. Why did John Milton return early from Italy?
Answer: Because civil war had begun in England.
1. How are philosophy and religion combined in metaphysical poetry?
Answer: Through logical arguments and religious ideas expressed with metaphors.
2. How did the religious and political environment influence John Donne’s works?
Answer: Catholic-Protestant conflict influenced his religious poetry.
3. Why was Donne’s Biathanatos controversial?
Answer: Because it discussed the justification of suicide.
4. Why were Donne’s sermons famous?
Answer: They were powerful, emotional, and philosophical.
5. How are John Milton’s political beliefs reflected in his works?
Answer: He defended liberty and republican ideas.