Abstract

The poetry in Donne’s sermons is not to be found in sudden flashes of heightened imagery, conspicuous patterns of sound, or unique turns of phrase, qualities often featured when “selected passages” from the sermons are published. It is to be found, rather, in the use Donne made of homiletic form, with an effect the poet-priest himself associated with harmony and beaten gold. The act of achieving this effect, moreover, is not inconsistent with Donne’s stated beliefs concerning God’s creativity.