John Donne's Poetry [Paperback]

An unbiased examination of the poetry of John Donne that seeks to find what is admirable about his poetry, whilst keeping sight of common-sense judgements.Dr Sanderss examination of John Donne proceeds from a disinterested wish to to find what is admirable, but not to lose sight of common-sense judgements exemplified in the past by Johnson. The analysis transcends questions of whether Donnes poetry was fashionable at the time of this books first publication in 1975.Dr Sanderss examination of John Donne proceeds from a disinterested wish to to find what is admirable, but not to lose sight of common-sense judgements exemplified in the past by Johnson. The analysis transcends questions of whether Donnes poetry was fashionable at the time of this books first publication in 1975.In this 1975 text, Dr Sanders approaches John Donne, beginnings with his arresting voice; individual and often puzzling. He asks of the live poetry and religious poetry alike, where is Donne speaking his own voice, when is he adopting a persona, what is the effect of his irony? And, he goes on, what affects us as true and fine when is Donne the prey of his own manner and self-irony; when is he conventionally amorous, cynical or pious? From this consideration Dr Sanders returns with a central body of poems which he considers great and unique. Many readers of Donne ask themselves uncomfortably whether their admiration is merely fashionable, or their dissatisfaction merely a reaction against fashion. Dr Sanders's calm examination proceeds from a disinterested wish to to find what is admirable, but not to lose sight of common-sense judgements exemplified in the past by Johnson.A note on texts; 1. 'Combinations of confused magnificence' - Donne and Dr Johnson; 2. 'Heterogenous ideas' and 'unexpected truth' - Paradoxes and Problemes, Satyres, Elegies; 3. 'Ingenious absurdity' and the 'more noble and more adequate conception' - Songs and Sonets I 4. 'Natural and new&though not obvious&just' - Songlӗ