What does Donne tell the reader about his religion and attitude to the two established Churches in his sonnets? Refer to Sonnet 18 and at least one other poem in your answer.
             John Donne was born into a prosperous Roman Catholic family during the reign of Elizabeth I, when England was anti-Catholic. Thousands of Catholics were prosecuted and killed in horrific ways if they were caught practising their faith. At a time when Britain and Spain were in war he travelled to Spain stating his love and pride for his faith, which quite clearly came before his country. He then began studying law in "Lincoln's Inn", with his brother. However, his brother and some of his friends were caught conducting a Catholic Mass. His brother was imprisoned, where he later died and his friends were killed. It was after this event that he began reading extensively in theology and history, and took a huge step and became an Anglican. This change helped his career greatly but left him confused and unsure of his decision for the rest of his life. This period of his life is shown in his "holy sonnets", in which he obsesses with the idea of death, sin and religion. We see in almost every peace his fear of rejection from God, as he believes he has sinned greatly in the past especially by changing faith.
             Having once been a strong Catholic and now a devoted Anglican, it is not a surprise that Donne is confused. Sonnet 18 is dedicated entirely to this topic. In the sonnet he is unable to decide which Church he should remain faithful to.
             The sonnet begins with Donne asking God to enlighten him and show him the way to the true Church. He writes "spouse" to represent the true Church, as the Bible mentions that Christ loves his church like a man loves his wife. He then goes on to ask whether the real Church is "on the other shore" that is so "richly painted", which refers to the richly decorated Catholic Church...