Which of the following is an elegy on John Donne's wife who died in 1617?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

"Holy Sonnet 17" is an elegy written by John Donne mourning the death of his wife, Anne Donne, who died in 1617.

The sonnet expresses Donne’s grief and his spiritual reflection on death, showcasing the deep emotional pain he felt from the loss of his beloved wife.

The sonnet is part of the Holy Sonnets, which reflect Donne’s complex views on death, faith, and immortality. In "Holy Sonnet 17", Donne addresses his wife, expressing the hope that she is now in heaven, and portrays death as a passage rather than an end.

It is considered one of the most heartfelt and personal of Donne’s works, dealing with themes of eternal life, death, and divine reconciliation.

Information Booster:

John Donne: Donne, a famous English poet, is known for his metaphysical poetry, which is characterized by intellectual and philosophical themes, intense emotionality, and elaborate metaphors. His poetry often dealt with life, love, religion, and death. After the death of his wife, Donne's work became more focused on religious themes, marking a shift in his poetic style from secular to sacred subjects.

Anne Donne: John Donne's wife, Anne More, passed away in 1617, and her death left a profound impact on him. He had married Anne in 1601, and their marriage was both a romantic and intellectual partnership. The pain of her death influenced many of his religious writings, particularly the "Holy Sonnets."

"Holy Sonnet 17": This sonnet is part of a series of sonnets written by Donne, reflecting on themes of death, the afterlife, and divine judgment. The poem's profound spiritual insights and its emotional depth make it an important work in understanding Donne’s poetic evolution. In the poem, Donne speaks of the loss of his wife, believing that death has not conquered her, and imagines her soul in eternal peace with God.
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Additional Knowledge:

"Death be not Proud": Although this poem is one of Donne’s most famous works, it is not specifically an elegy for his wife. It addresses death in general, as a concept to be defeated, reflecting Donne’s larger view on death as a conquerable force rather than a feared end.

"Thou Hast Made Me": This poem is part of Donne’s "Songs and Sonnets", not directly related to his wife’s death. It is a metaphysical poem reflecting on the relationship between the speaker and God, exploring themes of divine love and spiritual renewal.

"At the Round Earth's Imagined Corners": This poem is also one of Donne’s Holy Sonnets, but it is not an elegy for his wife. It speaks to the theme of resurrection and the Last Judgment, where Donne reflects on the end of the world and the possibility of divine redemption. It is part of Donne’s broader reflections on life after death, but not specifically a mourning poem for Anne Donne.