In "Death Is Not Proud" by John Donne, the author uses metaphysical and poetic techniques to convey the idea that death should not be feared. Along with the metaphysical elements, the poem also contains many poetic devices to personify Death and undermine its power and importance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The speaker begins with a strong statement, explaining “For those you think you overthrow / Die not, poor Death.” Death is personified as a human that the speaker talks to to portray that death is not as divine as once thought. This personification is also reflected in the style of the poem, a sonnet, as it is written in iambic pentameter. This meter effectively imitates conversation, and by using it, the author shows that one can speak to Death as if he were a mere person and not a divine power. The speaker explains to Death that he cannot really kill anyone, as it is only "after a short sleep, we eternally awake [from]". This comparison between sleep and Death is used to show that Death is not the end of everything, it is simply a short break from life. Once again, this undermines Death's supposed power to show Death as something not to be afraid of. The speaker goes on to compare sleep to Death, commenting “From rest and sleep, which if not thy images are / Much pleasure; then much more will have to come from you." This irony conveys that the speaker finds sleep pleasant, and since Death is just prolonged sleep, it must be pleasant as well. This introspective meditation on the power of Death shows a new truth: Death is not something to fear. The passage itself takes on a mocking tone as the speaker dissects Death's supposed power to portray it as a peaceful sleep, in doing so shows that Death is not as fearful as originally thought. The speaker relents, saying that "our best men go with you", only to taunt him "[but] the rest of their bones and the surrender of the soul". He is essentially saying that death can take away the best men, but it has no lasting effect, since what is after death is pleasant. He then directly attacks the dominant power of Death, stating: "You are a slave to fate, chance, kings and desperate men." The terms "slave" and "desperate" portray Death in an almost pathetic light, demonstrating that he is not as omnipotent as is assumed. This realistic view of Death serves to break down the feared pedestal on which it rests, to demonstrate that Death is not the end all, ironically, the speaker then compares Death to poppies and spells, as " [those] can even make us sleep." This ironic comparison also serves to belittle Death so as to demonstrate that one has nothing to fear from it. Finally, the author incorporates religious allusions as befitting a metaphysical poem. Comparing Death to sleep, the speaker says “We wake eternally / and death will be no more; Death, you will die.” The paradox provides a profound statement, a final blow to the ego of Death personified, to demonstrate that he is nothing else. than a window into the afterlife. The last couplet in which the paradox resides is in line with the predetermined purpose of a sonnet, as it functions as a conclusion to the argument presented in the previous lines. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Throughout the poem the speaker uses wit and irony, metaphysical components of the poem, to tear apart the supposed notion of Death as a destructive and divine power. Together with these, the structure.