John Donne

John Donne is one of the great metaphysical poets, prescribed for the 2027 Leaving Cert English exam. His poetry is famous for its dramatic openings, intellectual arguments about love and death, and complex extended metaphors (conceits). Donne rewards close reading. Examiners notice when students engage with his logic and wordplay rather than just summarising what each poem is about.

Prescribed Poems

Click any poem below for a full study guide with analysis, key quotes, themes, and exam strategy.

The Sunne RisingView notes Song: Go, and catch a falling starView notes The AnniversarieView notes Song: Sweetest love, I do not goeView notes The DreameView notes A Valediction Forbidding MourningView notes The FleaView notes Batter my heartView notes At the round earth’s imagined cornersView notes Thou hast made meView notes

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