'A Hymn To God The Father' by John Donne
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Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, thou hast done;
I fear no more.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Hymn To God The Father by John Donne
The works of John Donne, the renowned English poet and preacher, are famous for their metaphysical aspects that delve into human experiences, emotions, and spirituality. One of his most notable works is "A Hymn To God The Father," a poetic masterpiece that encapsulates the themes of sin, redemption, and the relationship between God and humanity. In this analysis, we will explore the poem's content, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance and meaning.
Content Analysis
The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing five lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABABB. It is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a musical quality and a sense of rhythm. The poet uses the first-person point of view to address God directly, expressing his emotions and thoughts about his relationship with the divine.
The poem begins by acknowledging God's greatness and asking for his mercy in the face of the speaker's sins. The lines "Wilt thou forgive that sin, where I begun, / Which was my sin, though it were done before?" show a sense of remorse and guilt for past transgressions, highlighting the human condition of being prone to sin.
In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the nature of sin, describing it as a "chain" that binds him to the earth and separates him from God. He asks for God's forgiveness and mercy, acknowledging his unworthiness of divine grace.
The third stanza contains a repetition of the phrase "I have a sin," emphasizing the speaker's acknowledgement and ownership of his wrongdoing. He further laments the fact that his sins have caused him to doubt his salvation, questioning whether he is worthy of God's love and mercy.
The fourth stanza shifts the focus to God's role in the speaker's redemption. The speaker asks for God's grace and forgiveness, acknowledging that he cannot earn salvation on his own. He pleads with God to "break that knot again," referring to the chain of sin that binds him, and to give him a new life in Christ.
In the fifth stanza, the speaker reflects on the power of Christ's sacrifice and how it has redeemed him from his sins. He asks for the "seal" of Christ's blood to be placed on him, signifying his acceptance of salvation through Christ.
The final stanza is a powerful conclusion to the poem, in which the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death and the hope of eternal life in Christ. He asks God to "teach me how to die," expressing his desire to be prepared for the afterlife and to be with God forever.
Interpretation
At its core, "A Hymn To God The Father" is a prayer of confession and a plea for forgiveness and redemption. The speaker's deep sense of guilt and remorse for his sins highlights the human condition of being imperfect and prone to wrongdoing. However, the poem also reflects the power of God's love and mercy to redeem and transform the human soul.
The repeated use of the phrase "I have a sin" emphasizes the speaker's sense of ownership and responsibility for his actions. The acknowledgement of sin is not an excuse for wrongdoing but a recognition of the need for forgiveness and redemption.
The poem also reflects the Christian belief in the power of Christ's sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. The speaker's plea for the "seal" of Christ's blood on him signifies his acceptance of salvation through Christ and the belief in the power of the cross to transform the human soul.
The final stanza is particularly powerful, expressing the speaker's desire to be prepared for the afterlife and to be with God forever. The line "teach me how to die" expresses the belief that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life in Christ.
Literary Devices
Donne's use of literary devices enhances the poem's musicality and emotional impact. The use of iambic pentameter creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, giving the poem a hymn-like quality. The rhyme scheme of ABABB also adds to the musicality of the poem.
The repetition of the phrase "I have a sin" emphasizes the speaker's sense of guilt and ownership of his wrongdoing. It also creates a sense of urgency and desperation, highlighting the speaker's need for forgiveness and redemption.
The use of metaphor, such as the chain of sin that binds the speaker to the earth, adds depth and complexity to the poem. It also highlights the spiritual aspect of the poem and the human desire to be free from the burden of sin.
Conclusion
"A Hymn To God The Father" is a powerful and moving poem that reflects the human condition of being imperfect and prone to sin. The poem also reflects the power of God's love and mercy to redeem and transform the human soul. The use of literary devices enhances the poem's musicality and emotional impact, making it a masterpiece of English poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Hymn To God The Father: An Analysis of John Donne's Classic Poem
John Donne's "A Hymn To God The Father" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, this poem is a powerful expression of the poet's faith and his struggle with sin and redemption. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
The central theme of "A Hymn To God The Father" is the poet's relationship with God. The poem is a prayer addressed to God, in which the poet expresses his feelings of guilt and shame for his sins. The poem is structured as a series of questions and answers, in which the poet asks God for forgiveness and redemption.
The poem is also a meditation on the nature of sin and the human condition. The poet acknowledges his own weakness and frailty, and recognizes that he is prone to sin. He asks God to help him overcome his sinful nature and to guide him on the path of righteousness.
Structure
The poem is structured as a series of questions and answers, with the poet addressing God directly. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The first three stanzas follow a similar pattern, with the poet asking God a question and then answering it himself. The last three stanzas are more complex, with the poet asking multiple questions and exploring different aspects of his relationship with God.
Language
The language of "A Hymn To God The Father" is rich and complex, with a mix of religious and secular imagery. The poem is full of allusions to the Bible and to Christian theology, but it also contains references to classical mythology and literature.
The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a regular rhythm and rhyme scheme. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, and helps to reinforce its themes of faith and redemption.
Analysis
Let us now analyze each stanza of the poem in detail, exploring its meaning and significance.
Stanza 1
Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun, Which was my sin, though it were done before? Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run, And do run still, though still I do deplore?
In the first stanza, the poet asks God to forgive him for his original sin, which he inherited from Adam. He also asks for forgiveness for his ongoing sins, which he continues to commit despite his remorse. The use of the word "deplore" suggests that the poet is deeply ashamed of his sins, and that he is seeking redemption.
Stanza 2
When thou hast done, thou hast not done, For I have more. I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
In the second stanza, the poet acknowledges that even if God forgives him, he still has more sins to confess. He also expresses his fear of death and judgment, and his concern that he will not be saved. The use of the metaphor of spinning and weaving suggests that the poet sees his life as a fragile thread, which can be easily broken.
Stanza 3
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore; And, having done that, thou hast done; I fear no more.
In the third stanza, the poet asks God to swear that he will be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He expresses his faith in Christ's redemption, and his confidence that he will be saved if he remains faithful. The use of the word "swear" suggests that the poet is seeking a solemn promise from God, and that he is placing his trust in God's word.
Stanza 4
Whoever comes to shroud me, do not harm Nor question much That subtle wreath of hair, which crowns my arm; The mystery, the sign, thou dost make here,
In the fourth stanza, the poet addresses the person who will prepare his body for burial. He asks them not to harm the "subtle wreath of hair" on his arm, which he sees as a sign of his faith. The use of the word "mystery" suggests that the poet sees his faith as a secret and sacred thing, which should not be questioned or disturbed.
Stanza 5
O, to vex me, contraries meet in one: Inconstancy unnaturally hath begot A constant habit; that when I would not I change in vows, and in devotion.
In the fifth stanza, the poet reflects on his own inconstancy and his struggle to remain faithful. He acknowledges that he has a "constant habit" of changing his vows and his devotion, and that he is prone to sin. The use of the word "contraries" suggests that the poet sees his own nature as a paradox, with conflicting impulses and desires.
Stanza 6
As worships, images, and pious tears Do, smel, and serve, as well as flowers and beers; I may likewise My prayers and tears, and sighs
In the final stanza, the poet reflects on the nature of worship and prayer. He suggests that these things are like flowers and beers, which are offered as symbols of devotion. He also suggests that his own prayers and tears are like these offerings, and that they are a way of expressing his faith and seeking redemption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Hymn To God The Father" is a powerful expression of John Donne's faith and his struggle with sin and redemption. The poem is structured as a series of questions and answers, in which the poet addresses God directly and seeks forgiveness and guidance. The language of the poem is rich and complex, with a mix of religious and secular imagery. The poem is a meditation on the nature of sin and the human condition, and a powerful expression of the poet's faith.
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