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A Hymn to God the Father Poem Analysis

"A Hymn to God the Father" is a poem by the English metaphysical poet John Donne, written in the early 17th century. The poem is a deeply personal and theological meditation, reflecting Donne's own spiritual journey and his relationship with God.

The poem is structured as a series of questions and answers, with the speaker asking God if He will forgive various sins. The questions focus on three primary themes: forgiveness for past sins, assurance of God's continued forgiveness, and final salvation from sin and death.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging his sins and asking God for forgiveness:

"Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,

Which was my sin, though it were done before?"

In these lines, Donne is referring to the original sin committed by Adam and Eve, which he believes has tainted all of humanity. Despite not being personally responsible for this sin, the speaker recognizes that he is nonetheless affected by it.

The second part of the poem focuses on the repetitive nature of sin and the speaker's struggle to overcome it:

"Wilt thou forgive those sins, through which I run,

And do run still, though still I do deplore?"

Here, Donne acknowledges the ongoing struggle with sin, despite his sincere repentance and desire for forgiveness.

The final section of the poem addresses the fear of death and the hope for salvation:

"When thou hast done, thou hast not done,

For I have more."

Donne plays with words in this line, using his own name, "Donne," as a pun on the word "done." He expresses the idea that even when God has forgiven all his sins, there is still the ultimate challenge of facing death and the uncertainty of salvation.

The poem concludes with a confident affirmation of God's grace and the assurance of the speaker's salvation:

"I fear no more."

In "A Hymn to God the Father," Donne masterfully combines personal experience, theological reflection, and poetic skill to create a deeply moving and introspective work. The poem explores themes of sin, forgiveness, and salvation, revealing the depth of the poet's faith and his profound understanding of the human condition.