AGENDA FOR STUDY UNIT A2 1: THE STUDY OF POETRY FROM DONNE: SELECTED POEMS

Transcription

1 AGENDA FOR STUDY UNIT A2 1: THE STUDY OF POETRY FROM DONNE: SELECTED POEMS The poems for study are: The Flea The Good-morrow The Sun Rising The Canonization The Anniversary A Valediction: forbidding mourning The Ecstasy The Relic Elegy XIX: To his Mistress going to bed Loves Deity Good Friday Riding Westward Holy Sonnet VII: At the round earths imagined corners Holy Sonnet X: Death be not proud Holy Sonnet XIV: Batter my heart Assessment Objectives: Students should be able to: articulate informed and relevant responses that communicate effectively their knowledge and understanding of poetry (AO1); analyze the poet s use of such poetic methods as form, structure language and tone (AO2); and show knowledge of the context of the poem by drawing on appropriate information from outside the poetry text (AO4). One question chosen from two is to be answered. Each question requires the candidate to write about two linked poems, one named in the question and the other an appropriate selection by the candidate.

2 Methods (AO2) - Form and structure, language (including imagery), and tone poetic forms and customary syntax often come under pressure from the urgency of thought and emotion; frequent use of expostulations, and imperatives, and occasional profanity: use of ellipsis and contractions; questions and repetitions to engage reader or hearer; a fondness for argument and analysis; word-play; frequent use of paradox to sum up or display argument. Likes to push ideas to extremes. Contraries in love poems - sensual love and Platonic transcendence of sex; use of 1 st person and direct address; wide range of stanza forms; notable use of short lines and irregular rhythms for emphasis; congeniality of sonnet form for conveying argument; imagery: use of conceits in metaphor or simile form; frequent use of body and soul imagery sometimes with idea of body as a kind of machine operated by soul; images of exploration and of cartography; images drawn from mediaeval science Ptolemaic astronomy, alchemy; mediaeval iconography of Day of Judgement, and concern with physical aspects of death; occasional use of theological terms and Bible history; tone: often characterized by energy and vehemence or chiding (even in addressing Creator); sudden tone shifts e.g. from cynical to admiring and affectionate.

3 Some Contexts (AO4) Biographical context Donne s marriage, his lack of money, his dependence on patrons, his conversion from the Roman church and later his ordination as an Anglican priest, his religious remorse, the anecdote about his sitting for his picture in his shroud: these may provide a basic framework for appreciating the shift in his poetry from earthly to heavenly concerns. His studies in theology and law may be linked to his liking for analysis and argument. Literary context There should be some awareness of the features of the metaphysical school of poetry, and of the contrast between Donne s innovative love poetry and its concern with the consummation of love, and the traditional 16 th century love poetry of unconsummated longing. Donne s poetry was published only posthumously: during his lifetime it was circulated in manuscript. Critical context Donne s poetry has often provoked a strong response not always favourable. Contemporaries noted and did not approve his liking for irregular rhythms: Donne, for not keeping of accent, deserved hanging (Ben Jonson). In the 18 th century, the strained comparisons and false wit of metaphysical poetry drew Dr Johnson s condemnation. In the 20 th century, TS Eliot was influential in the upward reassessment of Donne s poetic reputation, claiming that Donne s poetry showed a rare and remarkable fusion of powerful thought and powerful feeling. Exemplar Question (a) By referring closely to A Valediction Forbidding Mourning, printed in the accompanying Resource Booklet, and one other appropriately selected poem, and making use of relevant external contextual material, examine the poetic methods which Donne uses to link the relationship between the couple to the world of their time. N.B. Equal marks are available for your treatment of each poem. The suggestions which follow apply to the given poem. Candidates will be expected to supply similar comments on a second poem. The candidates are not required to compare/contrast the poems although they will not be penalised for doing so.

4 AO 1 (Communication) knowledge and understanding of the text in appropriate reference and quotation order and relevance in conveying ideas appropriate and accurate expression appropriate use of literary terminology skilful and meaningful insertion of quotations AO 2 (Methods) Candidates should identify and explore aspects of form, structure, language (including imagery) and tone in linking the relationship between the couple and the world of their time. form and structure in linking the relationship between the couple to the world of their time monologue speaker to the (absent?) beloved takes the form of a debate on absence debate supported by reference to contemporary understanding of cosmology, chemistry, mathematics language -including imagery in linking the relationship between the couple and the world of their time. mingling of the language of tender love with technical terms use of religious terminology in a time of religious debate and controversy use of analogies with features of contemporary life to show strength of their love e.g. the Ptolemaic theory of the spheres which underlay Renaissance cosmology; the principles of the mathematicasl compass; the expansion of gold language of Platonic views on the relationship between soul and sense tone in linking the relationship between the couple and the world of their time tender but not sentimental intellectual in linking personal emotion with a wider world confidence in the maturity of their love

5 AO 4 (Context) Appropriate use of external contextual information concerning the relationship between the couple to the world of their time - on nature of metaphysical poetry mingling the homely with scientific and philosophical issues philosophical and religious issues debated at the period e.g. Plato s views on the fusion of souls age of territorial discoveries 1. Equal marks are given for treatment of the given extract and the text as a whole. 2. Appropriate second poems might include: The Good morrow, The Sun Rising, The Canonization, Twicknam Garden.