Donne
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- John Donne: An English poet, scholar, and cleric in the Church of England. He is considered a foundational figure in the genre of metaphysical poetry, known for its intellectual depth, inventive metaphors, and exploration of themes like love, death, and faith. He was also celebrated for his powerful sermons.
Examples of Usage
- Proper noun:
- The complex imagery in Donne's poetry challenges new readers.
- We are studying the sonnets of Donne in our literature class.
- Donne's sermon "Death's Duel" is a masterpiece of English prose.
Advanced Usage
- "Donnean" (adjective): Characteristic of or resembling the style or themes of John Donne.
- The poet's use of conceit was distinctly Donnean.
- Often used metonymically to refer to a style of poetry that is intellectually rigorous, witty, and uses elaborate conceits.
- His verse has a certain metaphysical quality, almost like Donne.
Variants and Related Words
- Metaphysical poetry: The literary movement/style with which John Donne is most closely associated.
- Conceit: An extended metaphor or surprising analogy, a hallmark of Donne's poetic technique.
Synonyms
- The Dean of St. Paul's: A reference to his position as Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
- Metaphysical poet: A descriptor of his primary literary classification.
Related Phrases
- "No man is an island": A famous line from Donne's "Meditation XVII," often used to express human interconnectedness.
- "For whom the bell tolls": Another famous line from the same meditation, meaning that any person's death diminishes all of humanity.
Noun
- English clergyman and metaphysical poet celebrated as a preacher (1572-1631)