We normally associate the concept of death with sadness and despair. For instance, if asked to visualize death, the first mental image that arises would be the tearful passing of a loved one, or perhaps a family pet. However, poet John Donne depicts a different perspective in his holy sonnet “Death, be not proud.” Instead of upholding the traditional view, the speaker claims that the persona of Death is not terrifying. The poem illustrates that Death is merely a powerless slave.
Throughout the poem, Donne challenges Death’s authority and belittles his compelling stature. He starts off by illustrating Death as someone who is pompous and self-arrogant, who views himself as “Mighty and dreadful” because others characterize him that way. However, Donne was quick to shut this feeling of grandeur down by at once stating “for thou art not so.” In addition, he points out that Death believes he has the power to kill. However, he later clarifies by stating that Death, in fact, does not. This emphasizes that the speaker is not afraid of Death, nor views him as a fearsome creature. Furthermore, in line 4, he uses the term “poor Death”, almost as in mockery, then finishes the line with “nor yet canst thou kill me.” With previous knowledge of Donne’s religious background, it can be safely assumed that he is referring to the Christian afterlife. This downplays the power that Death has because it is stating that although he can take the speaker’s body in this life, he will be rise once again when eternity comes.
Donne further exemplifies this demeanor by making Death seem like a pleasurable ride. For example, in line 5 he correlates Death to “rest and sleep” which are comforting to human nature. In addition, he later proclaims “then from thee much more must flow.” Meaning that if those bring us joy, then the gratification brought on by Death should be tenfold. Moreover, he continues to dethrone Death of its dreadful deposition by declaring that the best men usually go with Death first, and stating “Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.” This illustrates Death as a tenderly delivery man, who frees the good souls of the Earth from their dread and sorrow and guides them towards a peaceful rest. In other words, Death is not a fearsome soul. He is a liberator.
The almighty image of Death is once again taunted as Donne attacks his power. In line 7, the poet declares, “Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men.” Meaning that Death does not even have the power of free will, for he does not get to choose when people peril. Fate and chance pre-determine our departure, kings send people off to wars (which ultimately leads to death), and the terms “desperate men” are a reference to suicidal beings. Furthermore, the speaker suggests that we do not even need Death, for we can accomplish the same end goal through other means. Line 11-12 support this statement as it states, “And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well…… why swell’st thou then?” Death is not necessary as we can simply take drugs and achieve the same result. Moreover, Donne delivers the final blows in the last few lines. He once again declares that there is no need to fear Death because it is only a temporary state. In addition, the speaker’s undaunted attitude towards Death is also revealed in the last line, “And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.” Donne speaks to Death directly and tells him that not only is he weak, but he will encounter the end himself.
Although typically portrayed as “Mighty and dreadful”, Donne reassures the reader that Death is anything but that. In a bold and mocking way, he belittles the omnipotent status of the reaper. He argues that Death holds no power over us, nor ever will. In other words, there is no need to be afraid because death is not the final stop. Upon his view, there will come a time when we will be reborn. A time where death itself, shall be no more.
