Death Be Not Proud by John Donne

About the Poet

• John Donne (1572–1631): English poet and cleric.
• Lived during Shakespeare's time.
• Known for adventurous life: sailed to the New World and eloped with his employer's niece.
• Became an Anglican priest and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, London.

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Themes

Central Theme: Death

• The poet speaks directly to Death, telling it not to be proud or powerful.
• Death is compared to sleep, which is peaceful and not to be feared.
• Death is portrayed as powerless since it leads to eternal life in heaven.

Christian Paradox:

• To gain eternal life, one must die.
• Physical death is a gateway to everlasting life.

Clever Argument:

• When we die, it is like falling asleep.
• Sleep is temporary, and so is death.
• If death is temporary, it cannot truly "kill" anyone.
• Death is defeated by eternal life.

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Structure and Form

Sonnet Form:

• The poem is an Italian/Miltonic sonnet with 14 lines.
• Octave (first 8 lines): Presents the argument.
• Sestet (final 6 lines): Resolves the argument.

Rhyme Scheme:

ABBA ABBA CDCD EE

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Analysis

First Quatrain (Lines 1–4)

"Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so"

• Personification: Death is treated like a person who is criticised for pride.
• Apostrophe: The poet addresses Death directly.
• Death is mocked for being powerless and unable to truly kill.

Second Quatrain (Lines 5–8)

"From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure; then from thee, much more must flow"

• Death is compared to rest and sleep, which are peaceful and enjoyable.
• The poet suggests that Death only "delivers" people's souls to heaven.
• Faithful believers embrace death as it leads them to eternal peace.

Third Quatrain (Lines 9–12)

"Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men..."

• Death is called a slave to external forces like Fate and Chance.
• Death is mocked for relying on poison, war, and sickness to take lives.
• Simple things like drugs (poppy) or charms can mimic death's effects.

Rhyming Couplet (Lines 13–14)

"One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die."

• The poet declares Death's ultimate defeat.
• After death, people wake to eternal life in heaven.
• Irony: Death itself is destroyed and ceases to exist.

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Tone and Mood

• Tone: Scornful and mocking towards Death.
  • Death is presented as weak and unworthy of fear.
• Mood: Triumphant.
  • The poem inspires hope by showing that Death is conquered by eternal life.

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Key Vocabulary

Word	Definition
Thee	You
Mighty	Powerful, strong
Dreadful	Terrifying, tragic
Overthrow	Destroy
Soul's delivery	Souls going to heaven
Fate	Luck
Chance	Accidents
Poppy	Drug
Swell'st	Swell, grow big
Wake eternally	Live forever

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Exam Tips

1. Focus on Figures of Speech:

• Personification: Death is described as a person.
• Apostrophe: Directly addressing Death.

2. Understand the Paradox:

• Death leads to eternal life, so it is powerless.

3. Structure:

• Explain the sonnet form and rhyme scheme.

4. Tone and Mood:

• Highlight the scornful tone and triumphant mood.