Similarities Between W. T And John Donne

The underlying values of texts ultimately connect them. Margaret Edson’s 20th century, postmodern play W;t and John Donne’s 17th century, metaphysical poetry are inextricably linked through their exploration of key concerns of humanity. Accepting one’s mortality and redeeming sins are underlying values of both texts.

The importance of accepting one’s mortality is an underlying value which ultimately connects W;t and Donne’s poetry. The texts explore the anxieties of the personas’ potential death and their journey to accept their mortality. Vivian’s concern over her diminishing time is evident throughout W;t ; “I’m like a student and this is the final exam …I don’t understand the question and I’m running out of time”, she becomes panicked
The italicisation of the words “running out of time” creates emphasis, highlighting the distressing nature of the brevity of her time left and her lack of acceptance of her approaching death. Donne’s initial contempt for death is clear throughout the poem Death Be Not Proud, the poet belittles death; “some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not soe” his argument is clear; some people believe you are something to fear but I don’t fear you. An authoritative tone is established as he challenges death’s power, through the imperative monosyllabic language. His inability to admit that death has power over him is demonstrative of his lack of acceptance of his own mortality. This can be contrasted to his understanding of death in This is my playes last scene, “and gluttonous death, will instantly unjoynt My body, and soule, and I shall sleepe a space” the evocative imagery of the individual being separated through death explores the power and the fear death carries but is contradicted through the juxtaposition of the line “I shall sleepe a space” the use of sibilance slows down the pace of the poem and creates a