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John Donne

John Donne (1571 -1631) was an English poet, scholar, soldier

He is considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets.

Metaphysical poets are highly educated. They show their subject (intellect) in their poems.

They blend emotions with intellectual ideas and make the reader think deeply about the content of the poem.

He wrote many poems, essays, letters, etc. Most of his works were published only after his death.

. John Donne explores themes of life, death, and the human condition.

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About the poem

In 1623, when he was seriously ill he wrote “Devotions”

Present poem is originally an essay titled “Meditation XVII.’

Though it is an essay, it is considered as a poem because of its theme and images.

“For Whom the Bell tolls” addresses the nature of death and the connection between all human beings.

It is a fourteen-line sonnet.

There is a drastic turn from the first eight lines (octave) to the next six lines (sestet).

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for whom the bell tolls

No man is an island,�Entire of itself.�Each is a piece of the continent,�A part of the main.

�If a clod be washed away by the sea,�Europe is the less.�As well as if a promontory were.�As well as if a manor of thine own�Or of thine friend's were.

�Each man's death diminishes me,�For I am involved in mankind.�Therefore, send not to know�For whom the bell tolls,�It tolls for thee.

Glossary:

Clod= a lump of earth or clay.

Promontory= A high point of land extending into a body of water, headland(a coastal area)

Manor=a large country house with lands.

Thine= yours (old usage)

Diminishes= make or become less.

Thee =you.

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imagery & symbols:

Human race -- Europe Continent

Man -- Any piece of land

Tides of sea -- Death

Church bell -- Death

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What is the message?

No man is an island

Unity is strength. Any person’s death decreases the strength of the group. This is beautifully compared to a piece of land washed away by tides of ocean.

He worries about the behavior of humans who never worry about the death of their fellow men.

Death is inevitable for all of us. We must know that we are part of human race, and one day the church bell will definitely ring for us too.

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Thankyou

Keshava Reddy Cheraku,

DL in English

TTWRDC MEN MARIPEDA

Cell: 9494363595

Email: keshavareddy.english@gamil.com