When poets refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Biblical References
- Donne references the idea of "Original Sin," which refers to the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis. Their sin of disobeying God and eating of the fruit of knowledge is said to have been the Original Sin that made all mankind guilty by association. Though not mentioned by name, it is an idea referred to in Genesis 8:21: "the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth" (1-4 ).
- He also refers to the "Son," who will save him from his sins. This is a reference to Jesus, who in the New Testament was God's son (15).