Donne's poems embrace Catholicism, then abandon religion, then embrace the Episcopal church. They make use of symbols and weighted images. He toys with sonnet, satire, elegy, and love poems - to list only a few recognizable forms. At times his lines seem like stream of consciousness. Philosophy overtakes subject, as in two commissioned elegies on a child's death. - Library Journal
Despite his great education and poetic talents, he lived in poverty for several years, relying heavily on wealthy friends. In 1615 he became an Anglican priest and, in 1621, was appointed the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London.... Show more