Shakespeare Vs Donne

I. Opening Paragraph

1. elements in British poetry remain constant

2. William Shakespeare and John Donne

a. common themes of love and adoration

3. environment and customs affect a poet’s work

II. Renaissance and 18th Century Comparisons

1. Renaissance

a. drinking, gambling, gossip, theater

b. Puritanism, a Calvinist attitude within the Anglican church

c. issued a fine for not conforming to the established religion; not going to Protestant services

d. betrothal: the two people join hands. Man gives her a ring to be worn on the right hand. Changes to the left at the wedding. Seal the contract with a kiss. Can be terminated by mutual consent.

e. marriage: considered foolish to marry for love. Marry young, have children.

1. wedding customs: crying the banns, the bridal procession, contract, dowry, jointure, rings

2. 18th Century

a. church was a necessary part of the government of England

b. rapid inflation, loss of real wages

c. rising middle class/falling nobles

d. glorious revolution

1. king and parliament would work together - limited monarcy: kings recognizing prerogatives of parliament, but also rights of people as a whole: Bill of Rights of 1689

III. William Shakespeare

1. born in April, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

2. parents: John and Mary Shakespeare

3. attended Stratford Grammar School

4. married