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Born in London in 1572 to John and Elizabeth, John Donne has only recently been acknowledged as one of the greatest English poets. For some time, however, Donne's reputation was significantly tarnished. Donne converted to Anglicanism following his Catholic upbringing. John Donne began attending Oxford in 1584 and later Lincoln’s Inn. Donne also studied law at Thavies Inn, worked in sailing expeditions, and also served as Sir Egerton’s assistant which placed him in posh company. John secretly married Ann More in 1601, sparking great conflict with her family and ending his service to Egerton. Donne struggled to provide for the large family he and Ann created until employed by Sir Robert Drury in 1612. John’s works became increasingly dark during this time. Donne wrote many religious works and, in 1616, became a successful preacher. Most of his works were published after his death in 1631, although is works were well-known and respected by his circle. John Donne continued to have a great influence on many other poets. His work completely lost popularity during the Restoration until the early part of this century. Although his style of writing has not appealed to all, Donne’s works, such as “Here take my picture”, “The Good Morrow”, "Woman's Constancy", "and Metempsychosis", are still relevant and exciting to readers today.
Following Ann’s death in 1617, Donne wrote another religious poem, Divine Meditations 17.
"Since she whom I loved hath paid her last debt
To nature, and to hers, and my good is dead,
And her soul early into heaven ravished,
Wholly in heavenly things my mind is set."
This tragic experience seems to have provided Donne with all the inspiration and motivation he needs to secure his place in heaven to reunite with his beloved Ann. Divine Meditations 17 mirrors mankind’s longing for everlasting life, adding it to the long list of Donne’s works that are still relevant in our day.
His life really influenced his writings. He was actually thrown into prison for a little while because of his marriage. I guess her father really didn't approve! Some of his poems actually questioned God after his wife died; however, he eventually found God and his Holy Sonnets are almost a memoir of his personal struggles with religion.
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