Donne Essay

By comparatively analysing the connections between texts, a responder’s understanding of intrinsic human concerns are outwardly enhanced. Edson’s play “W;t” is a manifestation of the Selected Poetry of John Donne, and explores the analogous notions of redemption through self-examination and the need for human relationships. A responder, when taking both Edson and Donne’s work as one, understands the timelessness of human concerns. Hence, there can be no doubt, that fundamental to any comparative study is the question of what human existence actually means.

Redemption can be achieved through self-examination and atonement, however one’s contextual influences can shape their perspective on the methodology needed for salvation to be achieved. This is evident when a responder considers Donne’s highly religious context in comparison to Edson’s contemporary world. Donne composed his work at the turn of the seventeenth century; an era dominated by Christian doctrine in many facets of society. This undoubtedly influences his opinion of redemption, as observed through his religious outlook in “At the round Earths imagin’d corners, blow.” The persona is eagerly awaiting Judgment, before abruptly coming to self-realisation in “above all these, my sinnes abound.” The word ‘these’ refers to the sins of mankind, and hence Donne’s hyperbole in ‘abound’ exaggerates the persona’s perception of their own sins. However, this marks a moment of self-realisation as the persona understands that they must redeem themselves in order to warrant entry to heaven, as evident in “teach me how to repent.” The imperative in ‘teach’ highlights the persona’s desire to achieve redemption through personal atonement. Hence, it can be seen that Donne, due to his highly religious context, believes that redemption is only achieved through a spiritual relationship with God, fundamentality intrinsic to human existence in the Jacobean era.

Edson’s “W;t” however, was composed in a society where the