The Canonization : Key info
The Canonization is a notable literary work by John Donne. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Canonization.
Key info
Key Facts
Title: The Canonization
Poet: John Donne
Publication Date: 1633 in Donne’s collection Poems
Form: Metaphysical Love Poem
Meter: We find different iambs (metrical feet with a da-DUM rhythm) in this poem: pentameter, tetrameter, trimeter, etc.
Rhyme Scheme: Each nine-line stanza uses the same rhyme scheme: ABBACCCAA
Total Lines/Stanza: 5 stanzas, each with 9 lines (Total: 45 lines)
Tone: Bold, passionate, clever, and spiritual — the speaker defends love with strong logic and emotion
Interesting Pattern: The first and last lines of each stanza end with the same word: “love”
What do we understand by the word “Canonization”?
Canonization means making someone a saint. In religion (especially in the Catholic Church), when a person lives a very holy life, after he dies, the Church may officially declare him a saint. This process is called canonization. In the poem, John Donne uses this idea in a non-religious way. He says that he and his beloved should be “saints of love.” He believes their love is so pure and deep that it should be respected like a holy thing.