Meditation 17

Read Donne’s “Holy Sonnet 17,” which is about the death of his wife, Ann, at age 33. Compare the themes of the sonnet with those in “Meditation 17.”

The British government used the phrase “no man is an island” as a slogan at the beginning of World War II to explain their defense of France and Poland. Can this meaning have relevance to any other historical events?

A person’s values and beliefs are often evident in their attitude toward death. What values and beliefs emerge from Donne’s contemplation of his possible death?

What does the author think about when he listens to a bell toll? How does the bell’s symbolism tie together the entire sermon?

Do you believe that Donne’s life events contributed to his reflections on his death? Cite three events from his life and three passages from the meditation to support your answer.

What emotional effect does Donne seek to elicit in his audience? How does he accomplish this? Cite at least three examples.

How is the idea of common humanity relevant to today’s world? Choose an ongoing current event and apply this theme from “Meditation 17.”

The following quote is attributed to Donne and believed to be written during his poverty years: “To be a part of no body is as nothing; and so I am. I am rather a sickness or a disease of the world than any part of it and therefore neither love it nor life.” Compare this quote to the themes of “Meditation 17.” How has Donne’s life view changed or remained the same?