'Holy Sonnet XI: Spit In My Face You Jews, And Pierce My Side' by John Donne

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Spit in my face you Jews, and pierce my side,
Buffet, and scoff, scourge, and crucify me,
For I have sinned, and sinned, and only he
Who could do no iniquity hath died:
But by my death can not be satisfied
My sins, which pass the Jews' impiety:
They killed once an inglorious man, but I
Crucify him daily, being now glorified.
Oh let me, then, his strange love still admire:
Kings pardon, but he bore our punishment.
And Jacob came clothed in vile harsh attire
But to supplant, and with gainful intent:
God clothed himself in vile man's flesh, that so
He might be weak enough to suffer woe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Holy Sonnet XI: Spit In My Face You Jews, And Pierce My Side - John Donne

Holy Sonnet XI by John Donne is a poem that is considered controversial because of its use of the phrase "Spit In My Face You Jews, And Pierce My Side." The poem is part of a series of nineteen sonnets written by Donne, which are collectively known as Holy Sonnets. The series is considered to be one of the most important works in religious poetry.

Historical Context

The sonnets were written during the early seventeenth century and were influenced by the religious and political upheavals of the time. At this time, England was undergoing a period of religious turmoil, with the Protestant Reformation being challenged by Catholicism. This led to a lot of religious conflict, and Donne, who was a devout Anglican, found himself caught in the middle of this conflict.

Literary Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the Jews, asking them to spit in his face and pierce his side. This is a reference to the crucifixion of Christ, where he was mocked and beaten by the Jews before being crucified. The speaker is essentially asking the Jews to do the same to him, to humble himself before God and to prove his faith.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to question his own faith. He wonders if he is worthy of God's love and asks if his sins are too great for God to forgive. The speaker is struggling with doubt and is questioning his own faith, which is a common theme in religious poetry.

In the third stanza, the speaker begins to ask God for forgiveness. He asks God to "break" him, to "burn" him, and to "bend" him to his will. The speaker is essentially asking God to mold him into a better person, to help him overcome his doubts and fears, and to make him worthy of his love.

The fourth stanza is where the speaker asks God to take control of his life. He asks God to take away his will and to make him completely dependent on him. The speaker is essentially surrendering himself to God, acknowledging that he cannot do it alone and that he needs God's help to overcome his doubts and fears.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker ultimately finds peace. He acknowledges that he is not worthy of God's love but that God's love is greater than his sins. The speaker is essentially saying that he is willing to suffer for his faith, even if it means being spat on and mocked by others.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Some may see the poem as an expression of religious devotion, with the speaker humbling himself before God and surrendering his will to him. Others may see the poem as a critique of religious institutions, with the speaker questioning the role of the church and its ability to provide spiritual guidance.

The use of the phrase "Spit In My Face You Jews, And Pierce My Side" has been a source of controversy for many readers. Some have seen it as anti-Semitic and have criticized Donne for using it. Others have argued that the phrase is meant to be taken metaphorically and that it is meant to symbolize the speaker's willingness to suffer for his faith.

Overall, Holy Sonnet XI is a powerful poem that explores themes of doubt, faith, and redemption. The speaker's willingness to humble himself before God and to surrender his will to him is a powerful expression of religious devotion. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit, and it remains a powerful work of religious poetry to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Donne's Holy Sonnet XI, "Spit In My Face You Jews, And Pierce My Side," is a powerful and controversial poem that explores themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. Written in the early 17th century, the poem reflects Donne's deep religious convictions and his willingness to confront the most difficult questions of human existence.

At first glance, the poem's title and opening lines may seem shocking and offensive. However, it is important to understand the context in which Donne wrote this poem. In the Christian tradition, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a central event that symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice and redemption. In this poem, Donne imagines himself as Christ, inviting the Jews to spit in his face and pierce his side, just as they did to Jesus during his crucifixion.

The poem begins with a bold and provocative statement: "Spit in my face you Jews, and pierce my side." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, signaling that Donne is not afraid to confront the most difficult and controversial aspects of his faith. The use of the second person "you" also creates a sense of direct address, as if Donne is speaking directly to the Jews who crucified Jesus.

The next few lines of the poem continue in this vein, with Donne inviting the Jews to "buffet, and scoff, and spit upon" him. This language is deliberately harsh and confrontational, reflecting Donne's desire to fully embody the suffering of Christ. By inviting the Jews to mistreat him in this way, Donne is essentially asking for the same treatment that Jesus received during his crucifixion.

The poem then takes a surprising turn, as Donne shifts his focus to the idea of redemption. He asks the Jews to "crucify me," but also to "baptize me." This juxtaposition of violent and peaceful imagery creates a sense of tension and conflict, as if Donne is struggling to reconcile the suffering of Christ with the promise of salvation.

The next few lines of the poem continue to explore this tension, as Donne asks the Jews to "divorce me" from his sins, but also to "marry me" to their own. This language is deliberately paradoxical, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of faith. On the one hand, Donne is asking for forgiveness and redemption, but on the other hand, he is also acknowledging his own guilt and sinfulness.

The final lines of the poem bring these themes to a powerful conclusion, as Donne declares that he is "betrayed" by his own body and soul. This language is reminiscent of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, and suggests that Donne sees himself as a kind of spiritual martyr. However, he also expresses a sense of hope and faith, declaring that he is "reborn" through his suffering and sacrifice.

Overall, Holy Sonnet XI is a complex and challenging poem that explores some of the most difficult questions of human existence. Through his use of provocative language and imagery, Donne invites the reader to confront the reality of suffering and redemption, and to consider the role of faith in our lives. While the poem may be controversial and difficult to read, it is ultimately a powerful testament to the enduring power of religious belief and the human spirit.

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