John Donne :: essays research papers

Essay on John Donne John Donne, a master at his work, was born some time during the year 1572. The exact date of his birth date is unknown. Donne accomplished many and experienced many things in his life. He got married secretly, went to prison, and wrote many poems that are world known John Donne attended both Oxford and Cambridge universities, and he also attended Lincoln's Inn. At Lincoln's Inn Donne studied law, but never practiced it there after. Donne did not get degrees at any of the universities that he attended, but he did obtain a mind full of knowledge. As Donne grew up as a child, his parents raised him up in a Catholic household. During the 1590's, Donne abandoned Catholicism and looked toward to become an Anglican. In Donne's later years he wrote two Anti-Catholic poems (Pseudo-Martyr and Ignatius his Conclave). Donne later became a preacher. He had a metaphorical style which made him a great preacher. Donne received a degree of divinity from the University of Cambridge and was made a royal chaplain. In 1601 John Donne secretly married a woman by the name of Ann More. This act ruined his employment at that time. Donne was appointed private secretary to Sir Thomas Egerton in 1958. Ann More was, ironically, the niece of Lady Egerton.The secret marriage diminished Donne's hope for his advancement with Sir Thomas Egerton. John Donne was even imprisoned by Sir George More for marrying Ann More. One of the most traumatic experiences that Donne faced was the death of his wife. Ann died while giving birth to a still born in August of 1617. John loved his wife very much and mourned the death of her loss. They were married to each other for fifteen and a half years. Donne pays tribute to her on her grave stone by inscribing words such as "a most excellent and beloved woman, a most loving and chaste wife, a most dutiful and forbearing mother".