In John Donne's writing career many have always had different viewpoints on what his poetry is actually based on. Some say his poetry is based on love for women, others disagree and believe Donne shows disregard for the female sex and lastly others suggest Donne focused his writings on God. Looking at Donne's "Sonnet 14" from Holy Sonnets it can be shown that Donne is writing about human love and wanting love from God. In this traditional Petrarchan rhyme scheming sonnet Donne uses many literary devices such as allusion, alliteration and oxymoron to bring effect for the reader and to prove his desire for him wanting God's love and forgiveness from his sins.
             In writing, the literary device of allusion is often used in order to draw the readers mind on relevant facts, associations or emotions outside the given work. In "Sonnet 14" Donne is using the bible where he states "Batter my heart, three-personed God;" (1) the allusion shown here is that in Christianity it is believed that there are three parts to God. These parts consist of the Father, Ghost and Holy Spirit. This being said it is showing although Donne has cursed God and is looked down upon he is still able to rise up in hopes he can be loved by God again. This is shown where he states,
             "As yet but knock, breathe, shine and seek to mend;
             That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, 'and bend
             Your force to break, blow, burn and make me new." (2-4)
             Another literary device which can be seen here is alliteration. With Donne choosing to use the words, "break", "blow" and "burn" he is attempting to give the sonnet effect for the reader to prove how much he believes in the power of God and how important it is to have God's love once again.
             A major literary device Donne uses throughout this sonnet is the use of oxymorons. An oxymoron is used when terms are combined in...