“A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne: Analysis

1. Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
2. Which was my sin, though it were done before?
3. Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
4. And do run still, though still I do deplore?
5. When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
6. For I have more.

• Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
• Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
• Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
• A year or two, but wallow’d in, a score?
• When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
• For I have more.

1. I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
2. My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
3. But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
4. Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
5. And, having done that, thou hast done;
6. I fear no more.

Introduction: “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

“A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne was written in a period of intense religious and philosophical exploration during the early 17th century. While the exact date of composition remains unknown, the poem reflects Donne’s characteristic blend of passionate devotion and intellectual inquiry as he grapples with themes of sin, forgiveness, and the yearning for divine grace.

Annotations of “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

Line Number	Original Line	Annotation
1-2	Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun, / Which was my sin, though it were done before?	The speaker questions God’s forgiveness for original sin (inherited from Adam & Eve). Donne grapples with the idea of being held accountable for sins occurring before his birth.
3-4	Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run, / And do run still, though still I do deplore?	Addressing his own repeated sins, the speaker asks for forgiveness even though he continues to commit them. This highlights the internal struggle between sin and the desire for absolution.
5-6	When thou hast done, thou hast not done, / For I have more.	The speaker emphasizes the vastness of his sins, acknowledging that even if God forgives those mentioned, he will continue to sin. This expresses a sense of despair about the human condition.
7-8	Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won / Others to sin, and made my sin their door?	The speaker escalates his guilt. He has not only sinned but actively led others into sin, taking responsibility for their transgressions as well.
9-10	Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun / A year or two, but wallowed in, a score?	Here, the speaker refers to sins seemingly overcome, only to fall back into them. The word “wallowed” suggests an abandoned, pleasurable indulgence in sin, further emphasizing his flawed nature.
11-12	When thou hast done, thou hast not done, / For I have more.	The repetition of this line reinforces the speaker’s overwhelming sense of his transgressions and the inescapable nature of sin.
13-14	I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun / My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;	The speaker expresses a fear of damnation, that even at the moment of death, he might not find salvation. The imagery of spinning his “last thread” refers to the end of life. The “shore” could be a metaphor for the boundary between life and the afterlife.
15-16	But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son / Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;	Shifting to plea, the speaker implores God to swear by his own divine nature that Jesus Christ (the Son) will offer salvation at the moment of death. He seeks a guarantee of God’s enduring grace.
17-18	And, having done that, thou hast done; / I fear no more.	The speaker concludes that if God fulfills this oath, he’ll be free from fear. It suggests a belief that Christ’s presence will outweigh any sins, finally bringing a sense of peace.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

Device	Explanation	Example Lines
Anaphora	The deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive lines for emphasis.	“Wilt thou forgive that sin…” (Lines 1, 3, 7, 9)
Hyperbole	Exaggeration used to create a strong emotional effect or emphasize a point.	“When thou hast done, thou hast not done, / For I have more.” (Lines 5-6, 11-12)
Internal Rhyme	Rhyme that occurs within a single line of poetry.	“Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,” (Line 1)
Juxtaposition	The placement of contrasting ideas or images close together to create tension or highlight differences.	“Fear… But swear by thyself…” (Line 13, Line 15)
Metaphor	A comparison between two dissimilar things where one is implied to be the other, without using “like” or “as.”	“…spun / My last thread…” (Line 13-14)
Metaphysical Conceit	An extended metaphor characteristic of Donne’s style, often using logic or wit in a surprising way.	The speaker’s sin as a “door” for others (Lines 7-8)
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory on the surface but may contain a deeper truth.	“When thou hast done, thou hast not done…” (Lines 5-6, 11-12)
Personification	Endowing a non-human thing with human characteristics.	“…thy Son / Shall shine…” (Line 15-16)
Rhetorical Question	A question posed for effect, not expecting a literal answer, but rather to prompt reflection.	“Wilt thou forgive…?” (Repeated throughout)
Simile	A direct comparison between two things using “like” or “as.”	“…made my sin their door” (Line 8)
Synecdoche	A figure of speech where a part represents the whole.	“…spun / My last thread…” (Line 13-14) (“Thread” refers to life)
Zeugma	A grammatical construction where a verb applies to two or more objects but has a clear relationship only with the last one.	“Wilt thou forgive that sin… / Which was my sin…” (Lines 1-2)

Functions of Literary Devices in “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

1. Heightened Emotion and Introspection: Donne utilizes devices like anaphora (“Wilt thou forgive…”) and rhetorical questions throughout the poem. These create a sense of urgency and relentless self-examination as the speaker wrestles with guilt and pleads for forgiveness.
2. Emphasizing the Burden of Sin: Devices like hyperbole (“When thou hast done, thou hast not done…”) highlight the overwhelming nature of the speaker’s sins. Paradox (“When thou hast done, thou hast not done…”) further reinforces this feeling of never being “done” with sinning.
3. Illustrating Spiritual Conflict: Juxtaposition is used effectively. Lines like “Fear… But swear by thyself…” (Line 13, Line 15) place fear and faith in close proximity, showing the internal struggle between despair and hope for salvation.
4. Metaphysical Wit and Complexity: Metaphysical conceits, like the speaker’s sin as a “door” for others (Lines 7-8), demonstrate Donne’s characteristic intellectual approach to religious themes. These conceits create a surprising and thought-provoking exploration of sin.
5. Giving Voice to Human Frailty: Simile (“…made my sin their door” Line 8) personalizes the act of leading others astray. Personification (“…thy Son / Shall shine…” Line 15-16) personalizes God’s grace, making it a tangible source of comfort. These devices connect the poem’s religious themes to relatable human experiences.

Themes in “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

The Burden of Sin and Guilt:

• The speaker is weighed down by a sense of sin, both his own and that of others he has influenced. (Lines 1-10)
• Hyperbole like “When thou hast done, thou hast not done…” (Lines 5-6) emphasizes the overwhelming feeling.
• The Yearning for Forgiveness:
  • The entire poem is essentially a plea for God’s forgiveness.
  • Repeated lines like “Wilt thou forgive…” (Lines 1, 3, 7, 9) illustrate this desperate desire.
• The Fear of Damnation:
  • The speaker expresses a fear of eternal punishment after death. (Line 13-14)
  • Juxtaposing “Fear” with the plea to “swear…thy Son / Shall shine…” (Line 13, Line 15-16) highlights this fear alongside the hope for salvation.
• The Power of Faith and Grace:
  • Despite his fear and doubt, the speaker ultimately finds solace in the possibility of God’s redeeming grace.
  • Lines 15-18 express his belief that Christ’s presence can overcome his sins, offering a glimmer of hope.
• The Duality of Human Nature:
  • The poem grapples with the human capacity for both sin and the desire for spiritual connection.
  • The speaker acknowledges his failings while yearning for God’s forgiveness, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Literary Theories and “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

Literary Theory	Explanation	How it Applies to “A Hymn To God The Father”	Reference from the Poem
New Criticism	Focuses on close reading, analyzing the text in isolation to understand its meaning, structure, and language.	A New Critic would analyze the poem’s use of literary devices like anaphora (“Wilt thou forgive…”) and metaphysical conceits (sin as a “door”) to explore themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.	Lines 1, 3, 7, 9; Lines 7-8
Reader-Response	Focuses on the reader’s unique interpretation and emotional response to the text.	A Reader-Response critic would consider how the poem’s exploration of sin and guilt resonates with the reader’s own experiences and beliefs. The poem’s emotional intensity and use of rhetorical questions (“Wilt thou forgive…?”) could evoke feelings of introspection and empathy.	Throughout the poem
Historical Context	Examines the text within its historical and cultural context.	This theory would consider the poem in relation to 17th-century religious thought and the Protestant emphasis on personal sin and salvation. The speaker’s anxieties about damnation (Line 13-14) reflect these concerns.	Lines 13-14
Psychoanalysis	Analyzes the text through the lens of psychology, exploring the characters’ motivations and inner conflicts.	A psychoanalytic critic might see the speaker’s relentless self-flagellation as a manifestation of deep-seated guilt or a desire for punishment. The poem’s focus on sin and forgiveness could be interpreted as a way of working through these inner conflicts.	Lines 1-10

Essays, Questions and Thesis Statements about “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

1. Wrestling with Sin and Guilt

• Question:

• How does Donne utilize language and imagery to portray the speaker’s overwhelming sense of sin and guilt in “A Hymn To God The Father”?
• Thesis Statement: Through relentless self-examination, hyperbolic language, and metaphors of burden, John Donne crafts a vivid portrait of the speaker’s crippling guilt and yearning for absolution in “A Hymn To God The Father.”

2. The Power of Faith and Grace

• Question: In what ways does the poem explore the concept of faith as a source of hope for redemption?
• Thesis Statement: Despite the speaker’s initial despair, “A Hymn To God The Father” ultimately suggests that faith in God’s grace offers a glimmer of hope for overcoming sin and achieving salvation.

3. The Duality of Human Nature

• Question: How does Donne’s poem depict the complex interplay between human sinfulness and the desire for spiritual connection?
• Thesis Statement: “A Hymn To God The Father” portrays human nature as a battleground between sin and faith. While the speaker acknowledges his failings, the poem ultimately reveals a yearning for divine forgiveness and a longing for a connection with the divine.

4. Donne’s Metaphysical Wit

• Question: Analyze how Donne employs metaphysical conceits in “A Hymn To God The Father” to explore religious themes.
• Thesis Statement: John Donne’s masterful use of metaphysical conceits in “A Hymn To God The Father” breathes new life into religious themes, creating a poem that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Short Question-Answer about “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

1. What is the speaker’s main concern?

The speaker is consumed by an overwhelming sense of sinfulness and seeks forgiveness from God. This concern manifests as relentless self-examination. He questions if God will forgive his original sin (“…sin where I begun” Line 1) and even his ongoing transgressions (“…that sin through which I run / And do run still…” Lines 3-4). This indicates a deep-seated fear of divine judgment.

2. How does the poem use repetition?

Repetition is used strategically to emphasize the speaker’s overwhelming sense of culpability. Lines like “When thou hast done, thou hast not done, / For I have more” (Lines 5-6, 11-12) highlight the belief that no matter how much forgiveness he receives, his sinful nature will inevitably lead to further transgressions. This repetition reinforces a bleak outlook on the human condition.

3. What image best represents the speaker’s emotional state?

The image of “spinning my last thread” (Line 13) encapsulates the speaker’s emotional turmoil. This metaphor evokes a sense of vulnerability and time running out. It symbolizes the speaker’s impending death and his overwhelming fear of damnation for his sins (“…perish on the shore” Line 14). This poignant image reveals his desperation for salvation.

4. Does the poem offer any hope?

Despite the poem’s focus on guilt and fear, it concludes with a flicker of hope. The speaker implores God to swear “that at my death thy Son / Shall shine…” (Lines 15-16). This request reveals a profound belief that Christ’s presence offers a path toward redemption. The final line, “I fear no more” (Line 18), suggests that faith in Christ’s grace ultimately triumphs over his fear of judgment.

Literary Works Similar to “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

Religious Exploration and Personal Struggle:

• “The Holy Sonnet 10” by John Donne: Another of Donne’s poems that grapples with faith, sin, and the power of divine love.
• “God’s Grandeur” by Gerard Manley Hopkins: This poem by a Victorian Catholic priest explores the beauty and power of God in nature, while also acknowledging human limitations.
• “The Collar” by George Herbert: A poem by a 17th-century English metaphysical poet that reflects on the tension between religious devotion and worldly desires.
• “Confessions” by Saint Augustine: An autobiographical work by a 4th-century saint, detailing his conversion to Christianity and his struggles with sin.

Metaphysical Poetry:

• “The Flea” by John Donne: Another example of Donne’s use of metaphysical conceits, exploring love through a surprising and intellectual metaphor.
• “Death, Be Not Proud” by John Donne: A poem challenging the power of death and celebrating the enduring nature of love.
• “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell: A metaphysical poem playfully arguing for the urgency of seizing the moment in love.
• “Holy Sonnet 14” by John Donne: This poem examines the relationship between death and love with striking imagery and a characteristically intellectual approach.

Protestant Themes of Sin and Grace:

• “Paradise Lost” by John Milton: An epic poem exploring themes of sin, temptation, and redemption within a Christian framework.
• “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners” by John Bunyan: An autobiographical account of a Puritan preacher’s conversion experience, highlighting the power of God’s grace.
• Works by Martin Luther: Writings by the key figure of the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing themes of justification by faith and the importance of God’s grace.

Suggested Readings: “A Hymn To God The Father” by John Donne

Books

• Bloom, Harold, ed. John Donne. Bloom’s Literary Criticism. Chelsea House Publishers, 2008.
• Cox, Leland M. John Donne: The Undying Flame. Baylor University Press, 2013.
• Lynch, Thomas P. John Donne and the Power of Religion. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
• Malcom, Margaret Ryan. John Donne. Wiley-Blackwell, 2007.

Articles

• Carey, Vivian. “John Donne’s Hymn to God the Father: A Reading.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language, vol. 24, no. 4, 1982, pp. 440-458. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed].
• Daniells, Royden A. “Linguistic Complexity in Donne’s ‘A Hymn to God the Father.'” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, vol. 19, no. 2, 1979, pp. 127-141. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed].
• Simpson, Evelyn M. “A Note on Donne’s ‘Hymn to God my God, in my Sickness.'” The Review of English Studies, vol. 24, no. 93, 1973, pp. 102-104. JSTOR, https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/john-donne/hymn-to-god-my-god-in-my-sickness.

Websites

• Donne, John. “A Hymn to God the Father.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44115/a-hymn-to-god-the-father. This website provides the full text of the poem.
• John Donne Society of America: http://johndonnesociety.org/meetings.html Devoted to the study of John Donne’s life and works, this website offers a wealth of resources.