Donne’s Holy 14

Worksheet Description

This worksheet features “Holy Sonnet 14” by John Donne and poses a question to the student about the form of the sonnet: whether it is an English or an Italian sonnet. The sonnet itself is a passionate address to God, asking for divine intervention in a dramatic and personal manner. The student is expected to read and analyze the poem, and then use their understanding of sonnet structures to determine which category this particular sonnet falls into and to provide an explanation for their conclusion.

The educational goal of this worksheet is to deepen the student’s understanding of different sonnet forms through the analysis of a classic poem. By comparing the structure of Donne’s sonnet to the characteristics of English and Italian sonnets, students enhance their knowledge of poetic forms. This task also encourages critical thinking, as students must justify their reasoning, and it promotes engagement with the rich language and thematic elements of metaphysical poetry. Through this exercise, students learn to appreciate the diversity within sonnet structures and the various ways poets can express complex ideas within these forms.