Welcome to the continued exploration of British Literature as the class explores the 18th century through the Modern Period of British literary history.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
"enemy"
I really enjoyed Donne's' sonnet 14. To me the paradox's' in it gave our conversations a depth I feel that hasn't been visited within the first trimester. I loved the idea that was presented; making himself absent to fully gain what he desired. Its odd to think that in order to gain what we truly want we have to diminish our own identities, in a way give our reigns to a higher being. The line "but am betrothed unto Your enemy" stuck out to me for a multiplicity of reasons. In the context of religion the fact that the "your" is capitalized makes a connection to the respect of a higher being. But in comparison to that, when thinking of this higher being, "enemy" is not a word that would come to mind. Why would the supposedly loving higher being or lack of better terms, God, have an enemy. So clearly its written though that he has one. I find it even more intriguing that the majority of literary works that deal with "enemies" or opposing forces that we have been discussing correlate directly with war. Then only to ask the question why would God desire war and love at the same time. Then to think of nothing less then the holy wars. To have the word "enemy" be brought up in a sonnet about God seems ironic to me... just a thought.
I completley agree with you when you say that the depth we got into today was more than last tris, but what do you mean when you say "making himself absent to fully gain what he desired"? I dont understand where your going with that.
ReplyDeleteAnd the line "but am betrothed unto Your enmey" was extremeley straigntforward to me. Taken into concideration the timeperiod christianity being prominant, I easily concluded that Your was referring to God, and though I have never heard the devil or satian referred to as enemy that assumption is easily made (in my head) and makes sense.
Also when you say that the enemies correlate directley with with war what are you trying to get at cause that also confused me. I didnt think that this sonnet had anything to do with war but not fearing death, because there is a God who will be there for you when death comes.
I'm not sure I am just currious where you are coming from. :)
Making yourself absent. By that I meant that it seemed as if the writer had to give up a part of him to truly gain what he wanted, like stariha had mentioned in class; eternal life. That he had to imprison himself for his desires to become reality.
ReplyDeleteThen about the whole enemy equating to the devil thing. In my head I was just trying to discount the religious background that I already have. I was trying to take into consideration the fact that is some aspects Christianity in itself have morphed over the years.
And enemies equating to war. I was just trying to get at the point that often when war is reflected in writings it creates two sides. One viewed as the enemy. And saying that God has an enemy doesnt quite equate with the love he possess. .... and no, not a whole lot to do with the sonnet, just a whole lot to do with what goes on in my head. haha :)
Very good reflecting on the writing ladies... and I like that you have a lot going on in your head Emily!
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