Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Great Regulars: Donne's first line is a word for

word copy of Marlowe's, and the second line varies by only two words. And while Marlowe's shepherd concentrates on the "hills and valleys, dale and field," Donne's speaker chooses to metaphorically create his scene with fish in "crystal brooks."

Donne's speaker, however, embellishes his river/fish scene transforming the sand into gold and fishing equipment into "silken lines and silver hooks." Just as Marlowe's shepherd fashions a glowing, beautiful life to allure his love, Donne's speaker also has some temptations to offer the target of his affection.

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: John Donne's The Bait

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