Different segments of Christians advocate widely different beliefs for they see the flaws in the Church thus urgently recognize the need to reform. As a result, the State’s religion becomes English Catholic or Anglican. In the 17th century, England divorces itself from the Papacy, literally and figuratively through Henry VIII’s displeasure at being disallowed a divorce by the Pope. As some believed in the divine right of rule that belonged to the monarchy, allegiance to God in some minds is equated to loyalty to the king. Religion figures preponderantly in politics and wider society. This king is the same monarch who authorizes the printing and publishing of the well-known King James Version of the Bible. After she is deceased, she names another Protestant king, King James I (1603-1625) to succeed her. However, it is not until Queen Elizabeth I (1556-1603) that English Protestantism takes root. The conflicts between the Catholic kings and Pope and the Protestant movement headed by Henry VIII sparked much dissension. However it was not until three centuries later that the Reformation cemented in England. The English Reformation commenced in England since the 14th century with John Wycliffe. In his poem, Donne casts down the pride of death and hopefully asserts that humans pass not only from one physical state to another, but also from one world to the next, leaning on Reformation teachings of the afterlife as a means of consolation and courage. The Reformation movement deeply casts an indelible mark upon the face of religious life and the belief system in England until Donne, formerly a Catholic, converts to Protestantism. Cognizant of his mortal constitution, Donne still rebuffs death as a being that is overcome by the bright prospects of the afterlife. In the many interpretations of death, Donne puts forward his beliefs on life, death and human suffering. The physical decomposition of man emphasizes his frailty and fallen nature. Man, only composed of flesh and blood, eventually disintegrates to dust. The biology of man dictates that he has to die. This poem treats with eschatological themes since the perspective of the speaker is mainly religious. “Death Be Not Proud” is a classic metaphysical poem composed by John Donne in 17th century England.
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