How Do Metaphysical Poets Explore the Idea of Salvation in the Poem “redemption” and one Other Metaphysical Poem You Have Studied?

How do metaphysical poets explore the idea of salvation in the poem “Redemption” and one other metaphysical poem you have studied?

In both “Redemption” by George Herbert and “At the round earths imagined corners” by John Donne, the speakers explore their ideas of salvation, which link to certain branches of Christianity, perhaps expressing the poets views on how Salvation can be achieved. In “At the round earths imagined corners”, the speakers describes Judgement day while asking God for forgiveness of his sins. In “Redemption”, the speakers uses a parable to show the speaker actively seeking salvation, perhaps linking to Arminianism – a branch of Christianity which believes in seeking and accepting salvation.

In both poems, the speakers have different views of seeking salvation, “Redemption” being more active in its approach and “At the round earths imagined corners” perhaps placing his possibility of salvation in Gods hands. In “At the round earths imagined corners”, The speaker asks God to ´postpone´ judgement day so that he can secure forgiveness of his sins before the last day on earth. The speakers says “teach me how to repent” and “ask abundance of thy grace”, which shows that the speakers wants God to give him forgiveness. The use of direct speech and imperative in “teach me” sounds almost demanding, which shows us the speaker places his fate or place in heaven in Gods hands. This also shows God to be omnipotent, and almost takes away the power from the speaker – perhaps he doesn’t have control of his destiny or place in heaven. This seems to represent a mix of a Calvinist and Catholic view of salvation. He pleas with God to give him more time on earth so that he can  confess and pray for his sins before judgement day – which gives the poem a sense of panic, as if he must learn to repent and be forgiven before is it too late. Catholicism, after all, believe salvation is sought through ceremonial means like baptism, communion, confession and paying money to the church. Although the speaker is somewhat active in his search for salvation, there is again  a sense of desperation in the poem, as  the speaker seems  to be  worried about judgement day as he doesn’t know if all God has predestined him to go to heaven. However in “Redemption”, the speaker clearly demonstrates a more Arminian view of salvation, which believes salvation is accepted by those who wish to be forgiven. The speaker is shown to seek out God in “at his manor I him sought” and “i resolved to be bold and make a suit unto him”. Here, we see that the speaker is willing to reason with God and find forgiveness. The active words like “sought” and “i resolved to be bold” show the speakers dedication to getting salvation and link with arminianism as he seems to have a free will and choice to be given salvation. He is also said to seek God in “Great resorts” which emphasises his efforts and abilities to reason with God and “make a suit unto him”. Both speakers show different ways of seeking salvation which link to different Christian doctrines of how one should seek salvation.

 Both poems share a similar first impression of God being Materialistic and decorated but through the development of the poem realise this isn’t the case. In “At the round earths imagined corners”, the speaker calls for judgement day saying “blow your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise”.  The use of trumpets connotes a triumphant occasion and the repetition of “arise arise” sound excited, as if Gods day of salvation and judgement are a party. This imagery of judgement day is also highly decorated and grand, similar to that of a mural in a catholic church. Catholic churches are often known to be highly embellished and beautiful, which perhaps shows the speakers initial view of God, that he is perhaps materialistic. The comparison of a very spiritual and crucial day like Judgement displays the speakers almost innocence to the serious occasion, and we see his view of God is one that is rich in wealth and glory. This idea develops however in the second stanza, which one could interpret being a more “protestant” view of salvation, while the first appearing more “catholic”. In the second stanza, the speaker talks about Gods “grace” and is more introspective with his sins and relationship to God. In this stanza, there is no grand imagery of angels and trumpets, but a personal conversation with God, asking for salvation. This is a big shift from his initial view of God being and omnipotent and wealthy God and shows a humility and more of an understanding towards the spirituality of God and Salvation. The split between a decorated, catholic view of God and a more intimate, humble God is not surprising however as we know Donne denounced his Catholicism and became a protestant vicar. Perhaps this poem shows his shift in relationship with God and his ideas of salvation. The speaker in “redemption” also has these intial views of God. God is described as a “rich lord” and is said to live in a “manor” in heaven which depict him as materially weathy. He also “owns lands”, and the speaker searches for God in “Cities, theatres, gardens, parks”, perhaps revealing his idea of God again being wealthy and being in luxury places. This is contrasted however in the volta when the speaker is said to “heard a ragged noise and mirth of thieves and murderers: there i him espied”. This image shows a more humble and spiritual God as he is perhaps helping and supporting these sinners, which contrasts to the speakers previous ideas of God. Perhaps the speaker intended to show us the simplicity of salvation, and show us God is closer and more humble than we think, through an accessible, modern story. The development of ideas in both poems show in their own way a realisation of the spirituality and humility of God.