The Pleasure of Poetry: Reading and Enjoying British Poetry from Donne to BurnsThe poetry produced by the British poets of the 17th and 18th centuries is considered to be among the best ever written. But many general readers feel intimidated by the language or structure of the poetry, and so tend to shy away from enjoying these poets and their works. Nelson takes readers on a tour of the major works and figures of 17th- and 18th-century British poetry, explaining major themes, devices, styles, language, rhythm, sound, tone, imagery, form, and meaning. Beginning each chapter with a sketch of the poet's life and career, the author then looks at five or six representative works, helping readers understand and appreciate the beauty of poetry itself. |
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... traditional image for one's final passage into heaven . His only hope is in Christ's redemptive power that may continue to shine for him and save him from such a terrible fate . Note that even at this point Donne uses a pun , when he ...
... traditional gods . In a pleasing burst of hyperbole , the poet suggests that her presence can give the hope of eternal life to a bouquet of roses that otherwise must obey the law of nature and wither . But what has she done ? Returned ...
... traditional values , perhaps they could do something to redress the balance in a failing land . Goldsmith's elegy for a traditional way of life is not completely bleak , though it could hardly be called hopeful . As readers will have ...
Contents
Introduction to Reading Poetry | 1 |
Poet of Secular and Sacred Love | 19 |
Elegist Satirist and Moralist | 37 |
Copyright | |
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The Pleasure of Poetry: Reading and Enjoying British Poetry from Donne to Burns Nicolas H. Nelson No preview available - 2006 |