Death be not proud by John Donne | Death be not proud | Holy Sonnet X | John Donne | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Death, be not proud
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell’st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
Explanation: In this line, Donne is directly addressing Death, personifying it as one might a person. He tells Death not to be proud, despite some people describing it as “mighty and dreadful”. He challenges this perception, stating that Death is not as powerful or as terrifying as it thinks itself to be.
Poetic Device
Apostrophe: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. In this case, Donne uses apostrophe to address Death as if it were a person capable of feeling pride.
Personification: Personification is a figure of speech in which an idea, object, or animal is given human attributes. John Donne is using personification by giving death human qualities, such as the ability to feel pride. This allows him to argue against it, belittling its power and impact.
For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
Explanation: In this line, Donne is challenging the power of Death. He argues that those who Death thinks it overthrows do not actually die. This could be interpreted as a belief in the immortality of the soul or life after death. He further challenges Death’s power by boldly stating that Death cannot kill him. This could be seen as a statement of faith in eternal life.
Poetic Device
Apostrophe: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. In this case, Donne uses apostrophe to address Death as if it were a person capable of overthrowing or killing him. This personification of Death allows Donne to argue against it, challenging its power and impact.
Irony: Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. Here, Donne ironically refers to Death as “poor Death”, implying that Death is not as powerful as it thinks it is because it cannot truly kill him. This is ironic because Death is usually perceived as a powerful and fearful entity.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure;
Explanation: In this line, Donne is drawing a comparison between Death and two states of being that are generally considered pleasurable: rest and sleep. He suggests that Death is merely a representation or image (“thy pictures be”) of these states. This comparison serves to diminish the fear associated with Death, presenting it instead as a form of ultimate rest or sleep that should not be dreaded but seen as a source of “much pleasure”.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things that are similar in some way. In this case, Donne uses a metaphor to compare Death to rest and sleep, two states that are generally considered pleasurable and peaceful. This metaphor serves to challenge the traditional perception of Death as something to be feared, instead presenting it as a form of ultimate rest or sleep.
then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.
Explanation: In these lines, Donne continues his argument against the power of Death. He suggests that if rest and sleep (which are likened to Death) can bring pleasure, then Death itself must bring even more. He acknowledges that even the best men eventually die (“soonest our best men with thee do go”), but he views this not as a tragic end, but as a form of rest for their bones and a deliverance for their souls (“Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery”).
Poetic Device
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things that are similar in some way. In this case, Donne uses a metaphor to compare Death to a form of rest and a deliverance for the soul. This metaphor serves to challenge the traditional perception of Death as something to be feared, instead presenting it as a form of ultimate rest or sleep.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. Here, Donne exaggerates by stating that “soonest our best men with thee do go”, implying that even the best and most virtuous people cannot escape Death. This hyperbole serves to emphasize the inevitability of Death.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell’st thou then?
Explanation: In these lines, Donne further diminishes the power of Death by stating that it is a slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men. This means that Death is not an autonomous entity, but is controlled by these factors. He also states that Death is associated with negative aspects such as poison, war, and sickness. However, he argues that poppy (a reference to opium) or charms can induce a sleep that’s as good as or even better than what Death can offer. He ends with a rhetorical question, challenging Death’s arrogance or pride (“why swell’st thou then?”).
Poetic Device
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things that are similar in some way. In this case, Donne uses a metaphor to compare Death to a slave, suggesting that it is controlled by other factors and is not as powerful as it seems.
Rhetorical Question: A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in the form of a question that is asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer. Here, Donne uses a rhetorical question (“why swell’st thou then?”) to challenge Death’s arrogance or pride, further diminishing its power.
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
Explanation: In these lines, Donne presents the Christian belief in eternal life after death. He suggests that after a short sleep (death), we wake up to an eternal life where Death no longer exists. In this way, Death itself dies. This is a powerful statement of faith and a final blow to the personified Death, further diminishing its power and impact.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things that are similar in some way. In this case, Donne uses a metaphor to compare Death to a short sleep, suggesting that it is merely a temporary state before the awakening of eternal life.
Apostrophe: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. In this case, Donne uses apostrophe to address Death as if it were a person capable of dying. This personification of Death allows Donne to argue against it, challenging its power and impact.
Word Meaning
| Line | Word | Meaning | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | Death | the end of life | मृत्यु |
| 1 | proud | arrogant | घमंडी |
| 1 | thee | you | तुम |
| 1 | called | named | बुलाया |
| 2 | mighty | powerful | शक्तिशाली |
| 2 | dreadful | fearsome | भयानक |
| 3 | overthrow | defeat | पराजित करना |
| 4 | poor | pitiable | दयनीय |
| 4 | canst | can | कर सकते हैं |
| 5 | rest | rest | आराम |
| 5 | sleep | a state of unconsciousness | नींद |
| 5 | pictures | representations | चित्र |
| 6 | pleasure | enjoyment | खुशी |
| 7 | soonest | quickest | जल्द से जल्द |
| 7 | go | die | मरना |
| 8 | rest | peace | शांति |
| 8 | delivery | liberation | मुक्ति |
| 9 | fate | destiny | भाग्य |
| 9 | chance | luck | संयोग |
| 9 | kings | rulers | राजाओं |
| 9 | desperate | hopeless | निराश / हताश |
| 10 | dost | do | करते हो |
| 10 | dwell | live | रहते हो |
| 11 | poppy | a plant from which opium is obtained | अफीम |
| 11 | charms | magic spells | आकर्षण |
| 12 | stroke | blow | प्रहार |
| 12 | swell’st | become proud | घमंडी बनना |
| 13 | past | over | बीत गया |
| 13 | wake | become conscious | जागना |
| 13 | eternally | forever | हमेशा के लिए |
| 14 | shalt | shall | करोगे |
| 14 | die | cease to exist | मरना |
Summary
“Death, Be Not Proud” is a sonnet by John Donne, written between February and August 1609. It was first published posthumously in 1633 in the first edition of Songs and Sonnets. It is included as one of the nineteen sonnets that comprise Donne’s Holy Sonnets or Divine Meditations.
The poem titled “Death, be not proud,” was written by the English poet John Donne (1572-1631). This poem is often classified as a Holy Sonnet, and it explores the idea of death’s power and inevitability from a Christian perspective.
In this poem, the speaker addresses death directly, personifying it as something that should not be proud of its power. The speaker asserts that death is not as mighty and dreadful as it may seem because it is merely a transition to another state. He argues that death does not truly kill the individual but rather liberates the soul.
The speaker goes on to explain that death is subservient to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, and it resides in various forms such as poison, war, and sickness. In contrast, rest and sleep are seen as pleasurable experiences. The poem concludes with the idea that after a brief sleep (death), individuals will wake eternally, and death itself will ultimately be defeated.
This poem is often interpreted as a reflection on the Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life, suggesting that death is not the final end but a passage to a greater existence. It’s a meditation on the triumph of the soul over physical death.
Key Points
Author The poem “Death, Be Not Proud” is written by John Donne, a renowned English poet known for his metaphysical poetry.
Form (Rhyme Scheme) The poem follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet, which is divided into an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA CDDCEE.
Speaker The speaker in the poem is the poet himself, John Donne. He directly addresses Death, personifying it as an entity capable of pride and power.
Setting The setting of the poem is not specific to a physical location. Instead, it takes place in a metaphysical realm where the speaker confronts and challenges Death.
Theme The central theme of the poem is the defiance of Death. Donne argues that Death is not as fearsome or powerful as it is often perceived to be. He also explores the theme of the immortality of the soul, suggesting that after our “one short sleep” in Death, we wake to eternal life.
Plot The plot of the poem revolves around the speaker’s argument against the power of Death. He begins by addressing Death directly, belittling its power and impact. He then compares Death to rest and sleep, which are pleasurable, and suggests that Death is merely a representation of these states. He acknowledges that even the best men eventually die, but views this as a form of rest for their bones and a deliverance for their souls. He further diminishes Death by stating that it is a slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men. He ends with a powerful statement of faith in eternal life after death, stating that “And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die”.
Tone The tone of the poem is defiant and confident. Donne challenges the power of Death and undermines its perceived dreadfulness. His tone reflects his strong faith and his belief in the immortality of the soul and life after death.
Style Donne’s style in this poem is characterized by his bold personification of Death, his logical and passionate argument against its power, and his use of paradox (e.g., “Death, thou shalt die”). His language is direct and his tone is defiant and confident.
Message The message of the poem is clear: Death is not to be feared. It is not the all-powerful entity that many perceive it to be. Instead, it is a slave to other forces and is ultimately less powerful than the eternal life that awaits us after our mortal death. This message is a testament to Donne’s strong Christian faith and his belief in the immortality of the soul and life after death.
John Donne
Birth and Early Life John Donne was born in London in 1571 or 1572. He was born into a recusant Roman Catholic family when practice of that religion was illegal in England.
Education At age 12, Donne matriculated at the University of Oxford, where he studied for three years. He then most likely continued his education at the University of Cambridge.
Career Donne had a diverse career. He was a poet, scholar, soldier, and secretary. He was also a cleric in the Church of England. Under royal patronage, he was made Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London from 1621 to 1631.
Marriage and Family In 1601, Donne secretly married Anne More, with whom he had twelve children.
Poetry and Writing Donne is considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. His poetical works are noted for their metaphorical and sensual style and include sonnets, love poems, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs, and satires. He is also known for his sermons.
Style Donne’s style is characterized by abrupt openings and various paradoxes, ironies, and dislocations. These features, along with his frequent dramatic or everyday speech rhythms, his tense syntax, and his tough eloquence, were both a reaction against the smoothness of conventional Elizabethan poetry and an adaptation into English of European baroque and mannerist techniques.
Themes Another important theme in Donne’s poetry is the idea of true religion, something that he spent much time considering and about which he often theorised. He wrote secular poems as well as erotic and love poems. He is particularly famous for his mastery of metaphysical conceits.
Death John Donne died on 31 March 1631.
Legacy Despite his great education and poetic talents, Donne lived in poverty for several years, relying heavily on wealthy friends. He spent much of the money he inherited during and after his education on womanising, literature, pastimes, and travel. Today, he is often considered the greatest love poet in the English language.
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of “Death, Be Not Proud”?
A: The author of “Death, Be Not Proud” is John Donne.
Q: What type of sonnet is “Death, Be Not Proud”?
A: “Death, Be Not Proud” is a Petrarchan sonnet.
Q: What is the central idea of the poem?
A: The central idea of the poem is the personification and denouncement of Death.
Q: What does Donne compare Death to in the poem?
A: Donne compares Death to rest and sleep in the poem.
Q: What does Donne suggest about life after death?
A: Donne suggests that after our “one short sleep” in Death, we wake to eternal life.
Q: What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
A: The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABBA ABBA CDD CEE.
Q: What does Donne call Death in the poem?
A: Donne calls Death a slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men.
Q: What does Donne say about the best men in the poem?
A: Donne says that even the best men eventually die.
Q: What does Donne say about the power of Death?
A: Donne argues that Death is not as powerful or dreadful as it is often perceived to be.
Q: What does Donne say will happen to Death in the end?
A: Donne says that “Death, thou shalt die.”
Q: What does Donne refer to as “thy pictures” in the poem?
A: Donne refers to rest and sleep as “thy pictures” in the poem.
Q: What does Donne say can induce a sleep as good as or better than Death?
A: Donne says that poppy (a reference to opium) or charms can induce such a sleep.
Q: What does Donne mean by “soul’s delivery” in the poem?
A: By “soul’s delivery”, Donne means the deliverance of the soul to eternal life after death.
Q: What does Donne mean by “one short sleep past” in the poem?
A: By “one short sleep past”, Donne means the mortal death.
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: The tone of the poem is defiant and confident.
Q: What is the main figure of speech used in the poem?
A: The main figure of speech used in the poem is personification.
Q: What does Donne challenge in the poem?
A: Donne challenges the power and fear associated with Death in the poem.
Q: What does Donne believe about the soul?
A: Donne believes in the immortality of the soul.
Q: What does Donne associate Death with in the poem?
A: Donne associates Death with poison, war, and sickness in the poem.
Q: What does Donne say about the inevitability of Death?
A: Donne acknowledges the inevitability of Death but views it as a form of rest and a deliverance for the soul.
Short Answer Questions
Q: How does John Donne personify Death in the poem?
A: Donne personifies Death as a proud and powerful entity, but then proceeds to challenge and belittle it. He addresses Death directly, as if it were a person capable of feeling pride, and argues against its perceived power and dreadfulness.
Q: What is the significance of the line “Death, thou shalt die”?
A: This line is a paradox that encapsulates the central theme of the poem. It suggests that Death itself will cease to exist after the resurrection and the start of eternal life. It’s a powerful statement of Donne’s Christian faith and his belief in life after death.
Q: How does Donne use irony in the poem?
A: Donne uses irony when he refers to Death as “poor Death”, implying that Death is not as powerful as it thinks it is because it cannot truly kill him. This is ironic because Death is usually perceived as a powerful and fearful entity.
Q: What is the central theme of the poem?
A: The central theme of the poem is the defiance of Death. Donne argues that Death is not a fearsome figure, but rather a slave to the human experience and the will of God. He presents the belief in eternal life after death, stating that “And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die”.
Q: How does Donne compare Death to sleep and rest in the poem?
A: Donne compares Death to rest and sleep, which are generally considered pleasurable. He suggests that Death is merely a representation or image (“thy pictures be”) of these states. This comparison serves to diminish the fear associated with Death, presenting it instead as a form of ultimate rest or sleep that should not be dreaded but seen as a source of “much pleasure”.
Q: What does Donne mean by “soul’s delivery” in the poem?
A: By “soul’s delivery”, Donne means the deliverance of the soul to eternal life after death. It suggests a release or liberation of the soul from the mortal body, reinforcing the theme of the immortality of the soul and life after death.
Q: How does the structure of the poem contribute to its meaning?
A: The poem follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet, consisting of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The octave presents the argument against the power of Death, while the sestet provides a resolution, reinforcing the belief in eternal life after death.
Q: How does Donne use metaphors in the poem?
A: Donne uses several metaphors in the poem. He compares Death to rest and sleep, which are generally considered pleasurable. He also compares Death to a slave, suggesting that it is controlled by other factors and is not as powerful as it seems.
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: The tone of the poem is defiant and confident. Donne challenges the power of Death and undermines its perceived dreadfulness. His tone reflects his strong faith and his belief in the immortality of the soul and life after death.
Q: How does the poem reflect Donne’s religious beliefs?
A: The poem reflects Donne’s Christian faith and his belief in the immortality of the soul and life after death. He presents Death not as an end, but as a beginning of eternal life. The final line, “And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die”, is a powerful statement of his faith.
Essay Type Questions
Q. Write the critical appreciation of the poem?
Introduction “Death, Be Not Proud” is one of the Holy Sonnets written by John Donne, a prominent figure in the world of metaphysical poetry. This sonnet is a profound exploration of the theme of mortality and the Christian belief in life after death.
Central Idea The central idea of the poem is the personification and subsequent denouncement of Death. Donne challenges the conventional fear and respect associated with Death, arguing that it is not as powerful or dreadful as it is often perceived to be.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme The poem follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet, consisting of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA CDD CEE, typical of this form of sonnet.
Theme
- The Power and Fear of Death The most prominent theme in the poem is the power and fear associated with Death. Donne challenges this conventional perception by personifying Death and addressing it directly. He argues that Death is not as “mighty and dreadful” as it is often perceived to be. This theme is explored throughout the poem as Donne continues to belittle Death and its power.
- The Inevitability of Death Another significant theme in the poem is the inevitability of Death. Despite his defiance, Donne acknowledges that even the best men eventually die (“soonest our best men with thee do go”). However, he views this not as a tragic end, but as a form of rest for their bones and a deliverance for their souls.
- The Immortality of the Soul The theme of the immortality of the soul is also central to the poem. Donne suggests that after our “one short sleep” in Death, we wake to eternal life. This belief in life after death is a key aspect of Christian faith, which Donne was a part of.
- The Diminishment of Death Throughout the poem, Donne seeks to diminish the power and fear associated with Death. He does this through various means, such as comparing Death to rest and sleep, stating that it is a slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, and arguing that poppy (a reference to opium) or charms can induce a sleep that’s as good as or even better than what Death can offer.
- The Defiance of Death The theme of defiance is also prevalent in the poem. Donne’s tone is confident and defiant, as he challenges Death’s power and undermines its perceived dreadfulness. This defiance is most evident in the final line of the poem, where Donne proclaims that “Death, thou shalt die”.
Style Donne’s style in this poem is characterized by his bold personification of Death, his logical and passionate argument against its power, and his use of paradox (e.g., “Death, thou shalt die”). His language is direct and his tone is defiant and confident.
Poetic Devices
- Personification The most prominent poetic device in the poem is personification. Donne personifies Death, giving it human attributes such as pride and the ability to kill. This allows him to argue directly against Death, challenging its power and impact.
- Apostrophe Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. In this case, Donne uses apostrophe to address Death as if it were a person capable of feeling pride. This personification of Death allows Donne to argue against it, belittling its power and impact.
- Metaphor Donne uses several metaphors in the poem. He compares Death to rest and sleep, which are generally considered pleasurable. He also compares Death to a slave, suggesting that it is controlled by other factors and is not as powerful as it seems.
- Irony Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. Here, Donne ironically refers to Death as “poor Death”, implying that Death is not as powerful as it thinks it is because it cannot truly kill him. This is ironic because Death is usually perceived as a powerful and fearful entity.
- Hyperbole Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. Here, Donne exaggerates by stating that “soonest our best men with thee do go”, implying that even the best and most virtuous people cannot escape Death. This hyperbole serves to emphasize the inevitability of Death.
- Rhetorical Question A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in the form of a question that is asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer. Here, Donne uses a rhetorical question (“why swell’st thou then?”) to challenge Death’s arrogance or pride, further diminishing its power.
- Paradox The final line of the poem is a paradox, a statement that seems self-contradictory but in fact reveals a higher truth. “And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.” This paradox encapsulates Donne’s argument against the power of Death and his belief in eternal life.
Critical Commentary Critics have praised Donne’s innovative approach to the theme of death in this poem. His personification of Death is seen as a powerful tool to challenge the traditional perceptions and fear associated with it. The poem’s confident and defiant tone is also seen as a reflection of Donne’s own faith and belief in life after death.
Message The message of the poem is clear: Death is not to be feared. It is not the all-powerful entity that many perceive it to be. Instead, it is a slave to other forces and is ultimately less powerful than the eternal life that awaits us after our mortal death.
Conclusion “Death, Be Not Proud” is a powerful and thought-provoking sonnet that challenges our perceptions of Death. Through his bold personification and denouncement of Death, Donne encourages us to view it not as an end, but as a beginning of eternal life. This sonnet is a testament to Donne’s mastery of metaphysical poetry and his ability to explore complex themes with depth and nuance.
