Every literary work has an idea or reason for its existence. Authors try to incorporate what is going on in their life or the world when they write. One particular author from the sixteenth century is a superb example of this method. A man named John Donne passed through three distinct phases in his life, each one illustrated in his many poems. Donne developed the genre of metaphysical poetry, which expresses ideas in highly abstract and difficult ways. Through thorough analysis, one can define what stage of life he was in while reading his poems. With respect to Donne being a bachelor, married man, and clergyman, he wrote "Song," "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," and "Sonnet 14." People's opinions shape their lifestyles, and Donne's thoughts on women force him to be a bachelor.
             A person will not live a lifestyle without reasons supporting it. John Donne provides us with his insight as to why being a bachelor is the correct choice. Stereotypical and negative portrayals of women are numerous in the poem entitled "Song." All women are illustrated as being the same way, leading to Donne proclaiming, "Nowhere lives a woman true, and fair" (Song, 17-18). Due to his negative perception of women, it is easily recognizable that he is writing as a bachelor. Donne writes during this phase because he is extremely motivated to defend his lifestyle. He states that even though one's chances of finding a true, fair woman is very rare, it is possible. Even if a good woman is found, he says "Though she were true when you met her/ she will be false..." (Song, 24-27). Personal experiences have led him to believe that all women are equally wicked, thus providing support for a bachelor's life. With the discovery of truth comes change, and John Donne reflects this change when writing as a married man.
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