Holy Sonnet 3: "O! might those sighs and tears return"

Question 1

Overview:

Answer 1

Donne’s sonnet through a first person narrative perspective creates a deeply personal lamentation of his wasted suffering and grief at what he reflects were largely secular concerns. Reflective poem suggests that Donne has broken with his past.

Question 2

Form:

Answer 2

• Lament, a poem which expresses passionate grief.
• Somewhat paradoxical as he lamenting about his past grief - considers the fact that his past grief was based on concerns that were secular.

Question 3

“what showers of rain/ mine eyes did waste?”

Answer 3

• conceit of tears.
• Rain becomes a broader metaphor for his uncontrollable sadness.
• perhaps slightly hyperbolic.

Question 4

“itchy lecher” “hydroptic drunk”

Answer 4

• Speaker compares his sins to the sins of other people - argues that they have more joy ivy committing ordinary sins.

Question 5

Volta:

Answer 5

• shifts the concern from himself to others.

Question 6

Form:

Answer 6

• Consistent form - some what contrasts with Donne’s conflicting emotions.
• Regular rhyme scheme - implies a maintained sense of faith despite the questioning.