Account for the revival of interest in Donne's poetry in the 20th century.

The Initial Decline and Obscurity (17th-19th Centuries)

Following Donne’s death, his poetry circulated primarily in manuscript form. The rise of Neoclassicism in the 17th and 18th centuries, with its emphasis on reason, order, and decorum, actively discouraged the appreciation of Donne’s often irregular verse, passionate intensity, and intellectual complexity. Critics like Samuel Johnson, while acknowledging Donne’s wit, largely dismissed his poetry as displaying “learning without judgment.” The prevailing aesthetic favoured smooth, polished verse, a stark contrast to Donne’s deliberately jarring and argumentative style.

T.S. Eliot and the Modernist Rediscovery

The turning point in Donne’s fortunes came with the emergence of Modernism in the early 20th century. T.S. Eliot, in his influential essay “The Metaphysical Poets” (1921), championed Donne and his contemporaries. Eliot argued that the Metaphysical poets were united by a common characteristic: “a dissociation of sensibility” – a separation between thought and feeling. He believed that Donne’s poetry, with its intellectual rigor and emotional intensity, offered a model for overcoming this dissociation, a condition he saw as endemic to modern life. Eliot’s endorsement was crucial in shifting critical perceptions.

The Influence of New Criticism

The rise of New Criticism in the mid-20th century further solidified Donne’s reputation. New Critics, such as I.A. Richards and Cleanth Brooks, focused on close reading and the internal coherence of texts, largely disregarding biographical or historical context. Donne’s poetry, with its intricate structure and complex imagery, proved ideally suited to this analytical approach. The emphasis on paradox, ambiguity, and irony – hallmarks of Donne’s style – resonated with New Critical principles.

Resonance with Modern Themes

Beyond critical re-evaluation, Donne’s poetry began to resonate with the anxieties and concerns of the modern age. His exploration of themes such as mortality, religious doubt, the fragmentation of the self, and the complexities of love and sexuality felt particularly relevant in a world grappling with the aftermath of two World Wars and the rise of existentialism. Donne’s unflinching confrontation with death, as seen in poems like “Death Be Not Proud,” offered a powerful response to the pervasive sense of loss and uncertainty.

Scholarly and Editorial Work

The 20th century also saw a surge in scholarly and editorial work devoted to Donne’s poetry. Herbert Grierson’s edition of Donne’s poems (1912) provided a reliable and accessible text, while subsequent critical studies delved deeper into the nuances of his work. This scholarly attention helped to establish Donne as a major figure in the English literary canon.

Donne and Postmodernism

Even as postmodernism emerged, Donne’s work continued to be relevant. His deconstruction of traditional notions of love, religion, and selfhood anticipated many of the concerns of postmodern thought. The fragmented and self-reflexive nature of his poetry resonated with postmodern sensibilities, further cementing his place in the literary landscape.

Period	Critical Reception of Donne	Key Influences
17th-19th Centuries	Generally negative; dismissed as too complex, irregular, and lacking decorum.	Neoclassicism, emphasis on reason and order.
Early 20th Century	Rediscovery and re-evaluation, championed by T.S. Eliot.	Modernism, a reaction against Victorian sensibilities.
Mid-20th Century	Further critical acclaim, focus on close reading and textual analysis.	New Criticism, emphasis on internal coherence and ambiguity.
Late 20th/21st Century	Continued relevance, seen as anticipating postmodern concerns.	Postmodernism, deconstruction and fragmentation.