Essay Questions

How is the sonnet divided into two sections?

Donne’s holy sonnet is divided into two sections, as is usual with the Petrarchan sonnets. It is divided into two complimentary sections but with different approaches by the speaker. In the first part of the sonnet, the speaker expresses fierce bravery while calling forth and describing the judgement day and all the events connected to it. The second part comes abruptly with the word “but” and the speaker changes his approach into a repenting individual seeking more time on the Earth to learn how to repent for his sins.

What is the meaning behind the “earth’s imagin’d corners” line?

It is clear from the start that Donne refers to the Biblical description of the judgement day, calling forth four angels to blow their trumpets and make the dead rise. The line is also a testament of Donne’s time, specifically the phrase “imagin’d corners” referring to the maps of the Earth that were created with images of four angels on each corner.

What is the meaning of the final line of the sonnet and the mention of the blood pardon?

The second section of the sonnet takes the speaker abruptly back to the reality, out of the imagination and thoughts of the judgement day. The speaker is very aware of his own reality, and the reality of his sins for which he needs to repent. He compares God’s guidance towards repenting to the blood pardon. The vivid imagery of blood in comparison to the metaphysical religious contemplation before it makes for a striking contrast. It could also be seen as a Biblical reference to Jesus who sacrificed his blood for humankind.