... dependence on humanity. He goes on to describe it as a transition, which does not serve as an end but instead, a new awakening to an eternal afterlife. Donne effectively uses tone in "Death, be not proud" to strengthen the poem's theme. The work has a tone of confidence and defiance in the face of death. Donne bravely criticizes death, making it clear that he is not overwhelmed by ... the fear of it as others often are. In lines 1-2, he says, "Death, be not proud, though some have called thee, Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so". In other ... ". Death is a short sleep from which w...

• Word Count: 382
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... Be Not Proud" by John Donne and "Sonnet 71" by William Shakespeare The two poems provide a complete contrast as regard to "Death". Death Be Not Proud" is written by a Christian Minister (John Donne) and is therefore based on a religious theme, inclusive of the idea of an after life. The second poem however is written by William Shakespeare and is a secular poem, and deals with "Death" as a physical reality ... , which is unavoidable. Shakespeare writes more negatively and makes "Death" powerful, whereas "Death Be Not Proud" gives more hope ... is short lived in comparison to that of dru...

• Word Count: 962
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... his victory over it by means of his lack of respect and fear for its implications. Donne belittles death by commenting on its strong dependence on humanity. He goes on to describe it as a mere transition, which does not serve as an end, but instead, a new awakening to an eternal afterlife. The opening lines of Holy Sonnet 10, "Death be not proud, though ... some have called thee / Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so" (259) demonstrates his own uncertainty on the death issue, given that the "some" he mentions includes himself at times. However he denies ... life. Rather, it is a ki...

• Word Count: 1112
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School