GO AND CATCH (STRUCTURE/FORM/CONTEXT)

Question 1

What is the form of Go and Catch a Falling Star?

Answer 1

• Lyric poem.
• Syllogism- Donne structures the poem like an argument, using impossible tasks as premises to lead to the conclusion that a faithful woman does not exist.

Fallacious logic= creates a bitter hyperboloc tone.

Question 2

How is the poem structured in terms of its stanzas and rhyme scheme?

Answer 2

• 5 quatrains.
• Regular pattern of ABABCCDDD (mocking sing-song quality)

Question 3

Meter of Go and Catch?

Answer 3

• Iambic tetrameter- regular rhythm- sense of flow,
• but it’s also slightly bouncy and light, matching the ironic tone of the poem.

Question 4

Repetition?

Answer 4

• Creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality.
• reinforces the futility of the tasks.

Question 5

How does John Donne’s personal life influence the poem?

Answer 5

• Written in early 1600s
• Experiencing a number of personal upheavels.
• Secret marriage- caused familal rifts and financial struggles.

Catalysed deep cynicism

Question 6

How does Rennaisance gender norms influence the poem?

Answer 6

• Female fidelity=common source of anxiety in his poetry.
• Cutural emphasis on chastity and faithfulness.

Question 7

How is Donne’s personal spirtual and religious conflicts reflected in the poem?

Answer 7

• Experiences deep religious turmoil.
• Eventually converted to Angelicanism.
• Poem reflects a desire for theological, and emotional certainity. (aswell as esoteric knowledge)

Question 8

Describe 1 critical opinion that could be used as A05 for Go and Catch?

Answer 8

• “Donne removes woman from the pedestal upon which she has been adorned” - Guibbory.

Question 9

Name 1 critical opinion that comments on Donne’s commentary on love?

Answer 9

• “The love of hatred and the hatred of love” - C.S Lewis