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John Donne No Man Is An Island Analysis

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"No Man Is an Island" Analysis Essay Poetry has an impact that not everyone tends to understand, therefore we underestimate the power of learning it. In "No Man Is an Island" by John Donne, the speaker talks about how all people are part of a whole, and how mortality is evitable. The Domino effect is evident is this poem because we all have an impact on everybody even stranger we do not know. With no particular rhythm scheme, Donne makes connections to his current life after what recently happened to him like losing his wife. This comes from Donne in a time of religious revival and the concurring thought of death on his mind. Donne uses anaphora, the dark yet light tone, and the evident use of the Earth metaphor to provide a strong powerful …show more content…

Throughout the poem, Donne uses "as well as if a" (lines 6-7) in back to back lines. By acknowledging this it emphasizes if someone were to be washed away then the world wouldn 't be the same. It shows that even your friend 's estate, and you would not be the same either. Donne not only uses repetition in phrases but in the sound of words. He uses this to bring a solemn tone that helps the readers understand the sadness he has in his life. Finally, Donne concludes in the last stanza the alliteration "death diminishes" (line 9) and "it tolls for thee" (line 13) to establish a slowing and repeated ringing of the church bells. Donne 's use of anaphora and alliteration help the readers better understand the overall meaning of the poem and how Donne 's life is connected to the …show more content…

The tone of "No Man Is an Island" is dark and sad but yet light. He shifts the perspective of the poem which helps expand the tone and view of the poem. Donne finds out he is terminally ill right after his wife dies so his life goes from a light happy place to a darker one. This is shown when Donne starts writing from a light but not a cheery tone in an open perspective with everyone in mind. He shows this by saying "No man is an island, entire of itself" (line 1) this shows that no one is alone when they believe they are. The phrase "No man is an island" has a popular parlance with the thought of individuality. However, when you get down to the last stanza Donne 's perspective comes to a close perspective where it closes down to his perspective on him. He shows the change in tone to a darker one by saying "because I am involved in mankind" (line 11). This change brings the darker turn where mortality is a more evident theme. In addition to the statement, "for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee" it evokes the image of a depressing march toward the church for what he states as his funeral. The tone of the poem is important in this poem because it illustrates the events that are being stated and referenced throughout the

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