John Donne had a rough life. He was born a Roman Catholic in a time in England where that was illegal. He married the woman he loved in secret, and was thrown in jail for it. When he was released, he dealt with the deaths of several of his twelve children and eventually his dear wife, all while struggling financially.
On top of everything, he was 'encouraged' by the king to abandon his religion and become an Anglican priest, which, of course, he did. All through this, he wrote. Early on, he wrote some pretty bawdy stuff. But later, when the trouble hit, his poetry shows a deep commitment to his faith, to his God, whatever trappings the world may have put on Him.
 |
| "Hence is't, that I am carryed towards the West/ This day when my Soules forme bends toward the East." |
The Renaissance and Reformation was a time of "riding westward". It was a time of forging ahead into a new day all the while concerned that something important was being left behind. Donne speaks to that beautifully with a particular poignancy, having been Catholic and pressed forward by the movement of the time.
In the end though, the main reason I like John Donne so much has nothing to do with his profound eloquence or his remarkable ability to layer several meanings in a single line. Set aside the unique perspective and poetic brilliance and you see a man. A very human, very real man, trying his best in a world that hasn't done much for him.
Photo Credit
This line in particular struck a chord in me: " Early on, he wrote some pretty bawdy stuff. But later, when the trouble hit, his poetry shows a deep commitment to his faith." It reminds me of something I was once told, that "no one worries about the purpose of life when they're happy." In other words, most people who are busy just being happy tend not to worry about faith, UNTIL the hard times hit. Happiness can be deservedly bawdy, but if that's all you have, you'll be in trouble when you can't find anything to laugh about.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great perspective on the Catholic church. I think sometimes we give it a really bad reputation, especially in our church. But even during the times of the reformation it was hard for Martin Luther to give up the church that he had loved. He continued to wear his robes even after excommunication, and I think that sentimental feeling is captured well in your poem.
ReplyDeleteI love this! It's true that because he was a very real man, we can relate to his feelings and experiences which is why his poetry speaks to us so profoundly. The "riding westward" idea is basically the opposite of 'ad fontes,' but we learn so much from both perspectives.
ReplyDelete