'Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign' by John Donne
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As due by many titles I resign
My self to Thee, O God; first I was made
By Thee, and for Thee, and when I was decayed
Thy blood bought that, the which before was Thine;
I am Thy son, made with Thy Self to shine,
Thy servant, whose pains Thou hast still repaid,
Thy sheep, thine image, and, till I betrayed
My self, a temple of Thy Spirit divine;
Why doth the devil then usurp on me?
Why doth he steal, nay ravish that's thy right?
Except thou rise and for thine own work fight,
Oh I shall soon despair, when I do see
That thou lov'st mankind well, yet wilt not choose me,
And Satan hates me, yet is loth to lose me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign
Oh, what a powerful poem we have here! John Donne's Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign is one of the most profound and captivating poems I have ever read. The poem explores the speaker's journey towards accepting his own mortality and resigning himself to God's divine will. The poem is a powerful testament to the human soul's struggle with the inevitability of death, and the quest for meaning and purpose in the face of that inevitability.
Theme
The poem's theme of resignation to God's will is evident in the title itself. The speaker acknowledges that he is "due by many titles" to resign himself to God's will. The poem begins with the speaker's assertion that he is "guilty of dust and sin" and therefore unworthy of God's grace. The speaker recognizes his own frailty and vulnerability in the face of death, but instead of despairing, he finds solace in the knowledge that God has a plan for him.
Imagery
Donne's use of imagery in this poem is masterful. The speaker describes himself as a "slave to fate" and a "prisoner of sin," painting a vivid picture of his own helplessness in the face of death. The image of the speaker as a prisoner emphasizes the idea that he is not in control of his own fate, but is subject to the whims of a higher power.
The poem is filled with religious imagery, such as when the speaker refers to himself as a "feeble tenant" and "a petty ambassador." These images serve to reinforce the speaker's sense of humility and his recognition of his own insignificance in the face of God's power.
Tone
The tone of the poem is one of resignation and acceptance. The speaker recognizes that he will eventually die, but instead of fearing that inevitability, he embraces it as part of God's plan. The poem is filled with a sense of peace and acceptance, which is highlighted in the final two lines: "But that I am forbid / To tell the secrets of my prison-house."
Metaphors and Allusions
Donne's use of metaphors and allusions in this poem is brilliant. The speaker compares himself to a "feeble tenant" and "a petty ambassador," both of which are images that emphasize his own insignificance in the face of God's power. The speaker also alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, describing himself as a "wretch...whose soul's sin" was inherited from the first humans.
Conclusion
Overall, Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign is a deeply moving and powerful poem. Donne's use of imagery, metaphor, and allusion combine to create a poem that speaks to the human soul's struggle with mortality. The poem's theme of resignation to God's will is expressed with a sense of peace and acceptance, making this a truly inspiring piece of literature. I highly recommend this poem to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
As Due By Many Titles I Resign: A Masterpiece of John Donne
John Donne, one of the most celebrated poets of the English Renaissance, was known for his metaphysical poetry that explored complex themes of love, death, and religion. Among his many works, Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign stands out as a masterpiece that showcases Donne's mastery of language and his ability to convey deep emotions through his poetry.
The poem, which was written in the early 17th century, is a sonnet that follows the traditional structure of fourteen lines with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCD EE. However, what sets this sonnet apart is its powerful imagery and the way it explores the speaker's relationship with God.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing God, saying "As due by many titles I resign/ Myself to thee, O God." The use of the word "titles" here is significant as it suggests that the speaker is acknowledging God's many roles and attributes. The speaker then goes on to list some of these titles, such as "I was made by thee, and born of thee" and "I am thy son, made with thyself to shine."
Through these titles, the speaker is expressing his deep connection to God and his belief that he is a part of God's creation. The use of the word "resign" in the first line also suggests that the speaker is surrendering himself to God, acknowledging that he is a part of something greater than himself.
The second quatrain of the sonnet continues this theme of surrender, with the speaker saying "I have no room for pride; / No room for understanding, when I am / So vile, and self-conceit so insinuate." Here, the speaker is acknowledging his own flaws and limitations, recognizing that he is not perfect and that he needs God's guidance and forgiveness.
The use of the word "vile" is particularly striking here, as it suggests that the speaker sees himself as unworthy of God's love and mercy. This sense of humility is a recurring theme in Donne's poetry, and it reflects his belief that true spiritual growth can only come from recognizing one's own imperfections and seeking to improve oneself.
The third quatrain of the sonnet takes a darker turn, with the speaker saying "Thou hast done for me more than I did desire; / And yet my longing is not satisfied." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that God has given him more than he ever asked for, but that he still feels a sense of longing and dissatisfaction.
This sense of longing is a common theme in Donne's poetry, and it reflects his belief that human beings are inherently incomplete and that we can only find true fulfillment through our relationship with God. The use of the word "longing" here also suggests that the speaker is aware of his own mortality and that he is seeking something beyond the material world.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings the poem to a powerful conclusion, with the speaker saying "But let my shame go where it doth deserve, / And know you not for you have died for me." Here, the speaker is acknowledging his own shame and asking God to forgive him for his sins. The use of the word "shame" here is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of his own guilt and is seeking redemption.
The final line of the sonnet, "And know you not for you have died for me," is perhaps the most powerful line in the entire poem. Here, the speaker is reminding himself of the ultimate sacrifice that God made for him, and he is expressing his gratitude and love for God.
Overall, Holy Sonnet II: As Due By Many Titles I Resign is a powerful and deeply moving poem that explores complex themes of faith, humility, and redemption. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem conveys a sense of awe and reverence for God, while also acknowledging the speaker's own flaws and limitations. It is a testament to John Donne's skill as a poet and his ability to convey deep emotions through his writing.
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