Donne vs. Herbert: The Similarities and Differences Between Poems

 Donne vs. Herbert: The Similarities and Differences Between Poems

Introduction

The poem ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’ by John Donne is a lyrical literary work that describes a travel of the poet to the west who thinks about the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a religious meditation that was written at a crucial point in John Donne’s life. His joining the Church of England and becoming a preacher inspired him to create that poem. The poem ‘Easter Wings’ by George Herbert also refers to the religious subject. However, it depicts the downward spiral of a human life. One should say that the theme of Christ’s resurrection is also present here. Consequently, this compare and contrast essay intends to compare the poem ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’ by John Donne and the poem ‘Easter Wings’ by George Herbert to underline the similarities and differences between them.

The Similarities between Poems

The poems ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’ by John Donne and ‘Easter Wings’ by George Herbert have many similarities. First, they both address the religious theme and aspects of the Easter events. George Herbert wrote about the global consequences of Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection (Lines 13-14). The poet underlines the significance of those events in terms of the eternity. Moreover, this poem regards Christ’s crucifixion as a universal fact that is in the imagination of every religious person (Lines 15-18). George Herbert sees Christ as the symbol of humanity and desire for transformation. The author reminds people of the events of Good Friday that have become a part of the religion and human life (Lines 13-14).

The poem ‘Easter Wings’ by George Herbert is similar to ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’ by John Donne as it also emphasizes on the religious elevation of Christ for His sacrifice. The poet names Christ the Lord that proves his admiration and commitment (Line 1). One can say that even the title of this poem indicates the similarities united with the Easter events. Moreover, it becomes evident that George Herbert, as well as John Donne show their devotion to God. Both poems sound like hymns of elevation and glorification of Christ’s sacrifice that was made for the sake of humanity. For example, George Herbert feels the unity with Him and would like to do the same (Line 7). Another similarity between poems is that they depict Easter events as the ways for admitting their sins.

In his poem ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’, John Donne chooses many images to reinforce the theme of Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection. The author uses such image as the journey making it a symbol of the way into the religious and sacral life (Lines 9-10). The spheres and intelligence are related to medieval astronomy that contradicts to religious studies (Lines 1-8). The picture of the Cosmic Christ is another imagery signifying that the whole world is in His hands. Consequently, the crucifixion of Christ is the desire of sinners to deprive Him of power. Nature is personified in this poem in the form of the servant of God that can also punish. Consequently, Christ’s incarnation is the way of entering the sacral world.

In his poem ‘Easter Wings’, George Herbert chooses the similar images that are related to the world creation, the entity of sins, and the significance of Christ. The author uses such natural objects as birds and their flights to underline the entity of Easter and resurrection as good news. Moreover, this poem reveals the essence of sins as the physical weakness of human beings. The similarity between the images in both poems refers to the Easter events. Both authors use travelling as a way of reaching God. However, ‘Easter Wings’ is based on the flight. Consequently, wings are symbols of faith and commitment (Lines 9-10).

In his poem ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’, John Donne uses the meter that forms heroic couplets evoking the majesty of the subject. Moreover, the author rhymes his poem in iambic pentameter. ‘Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward’ consists of 42 lines that remind a triple sonnet. One should say that there are no rhyme scheme and stanza breaks that are made up of couplets. Even the form and structure of the poem evoke the Trinity that proves that the author pays attention not only to the meaning but to the poetic form. One should say that the literary work is based on the contrast that makes it more expressive (Lines 16-18).

In his poem ‘Easter Wings’, George Herbert also pays a substantial attention to the form as the way of expression of his thoughts and inne
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