Donne's "Sonnet XIX"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses John Donne's "Sonnet XIX," which is part of his collection of "Holy Sonnets." The paper discusses Donne's attempt to capture some of the images and emotions of God's love and mercy in his sonnets and in "Sonnet XIX" in particular. The paper also describes Donne's language and tone and the relevance of the placement of "Sonnet XIX" at the end of his work.

From the Paper:

"It is also important to note the placement of this poem is the arrangement of the "Holy Sonnets." "Sonnet XIX" is the last sonnet in the collection and it seems to sum up what the poet has been feeling up until this point. The poem represents a culmination of his good, or best, days. In the beginning of the composition, he is fearful and he seeks God's attention. His fear and his ultimate discovery reassure him of God's redeeming love. However, it also reminds him of the fact that he must maintain his worthiness, which is difficult because he is human. Humanity is the inconsistency that stands in his way and it something that the poet cannot change about himself. This is the conflict, or the contrariness the poet experiences."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lawrence Beaston, "Talking to a Silent God: Donne's Holy Sonnets and the Via Negativa." Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature. 1999. GALE Resource Database. Site Accessed May 29, 2008. <http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com>.
• Donne, John. "Sonnet XIX." Sonnet Central Online. Site Accessed May 31, 2008 <http://www.sonnets.org/donne.htm#119>
• Stringer, Gary. The Variorum Edition of the Poetry of John Donne. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. 2005.

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