Imagine you are contributing to a school poetry blog. Complete this post with the words given. Then look at the prompts in brackets and write some extra reflections in your exercise book. You can use the final text as revision material for your test.
We are usually afraid of death as a powerful force that no one can escape. But in Death be Not Proud, John Donne does something incredibly ________: he treats Death like an arrogant bully with a big ego but no real strength. Armed with wit, Donne systematically removes Death's terrifying reputation.
How does he do it? First, by ________ Death directly. Then, by using sharp and expressive sentences to argue that sleep is just a 'picture' of death. (Refer to the section 'Metaphysical poetry' in your textbook. Explain how Donne's use of direct address and sharp language reflects the key characteristics of Metaphysical poetry.) Because regular sleep is restful and pleasant, actual Death must be even more relaxing – proving its scary reputation is just an ________. (Think of a play by Shakespeare in which death is likened to sleep. Then compare the use of the 'sleep' conceit in Shakespeare and Donne.)
After that, Donne points out that Death is just a slave to fate, chance, rulers, and desperate people. If Death hangs around with war, poison, and sickness, it means it has no real choice or ________ – it only serves the worst parts of life.
Finally, Donne uses his faith to destroy his opponent's power. Christian souls wake up to live forever in heaven, so Death is not a permanent end, but just a short ________ to a better life. By helping people reach eternal life, Death ________ itself – proving that, indeed, 'Death, thou shalt die.' (Refer to the box 'Themes' in 'All about John Donne' in your textbook to explore further Donne's interest in death.)
