Death be not proud

John Donne (1572-1631)

In the poem:

This is a sonnet that develops an argument or idea that the poet wants us to believe. In this poem Donne is talking to Death as if Death was a person. He is telling Death that Death should not think that he is so strong and frightening, because Death can be overcome.

Death be not proud, though some have called theeMighty and dreadful, for thou art not so,

Death should not be so proud of itself just because some people fear it.

Death is personified.

For those, whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow,Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

The poet says that people do not really die when they go to Heaven.

He has a condescending tone towards Death.

For Rest and Sleep; which but thy pictures be,Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,

Death can also presents itself as being restful and wonderful; far more than sleep.

And soonest our best men with thee do go –Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery!

If this was true more good men would want death so as to find rest for their bones and their souls.

Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men.

Death is nothing but a slave to fate and chance that kills people through accidents and kings who kill men by sending them to war and desperate men who murder. Without these things death cannot exist.

And dost with poison, war and sickness dwell,And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well,Death is thus dependant on horrible things like

poison, war and sickness.Drugs and magic has the same effect.

And better than thy stroke. Why swell’st thou then?

Drugs and magic can make people sleep better than death, so why does death feel proud at all? It does nothing significant.

One short sleep past, we wake eternally,

Shortly after people die they reawaken in Heaven, for ever.

And Death shall be no more: Death thou shalt die!

After we awaken in Heaven we shall no longer worry about death. It shall be as if Death itself has died.