PCHŁA I DZIEŃ DOBRY JOHNA DONNE’A − SŁOWO, KTÓRE STAŁO SIĘ CIAŁEM
THE FLEA AND THE GOOD-MORROW BY JOHN DONNE – WORD MADE FLESH

Summary/Abstract: This article reveals the exceptional union of two metaphysical poems by John Donne,so far regarded as separate entities. By conducting a thorough linguistic analysis, theauthor gradually shows subtle links between The good-morrow and The Flea on thelexical, thematic, and structural levels. Their existence provides evidence that J. Donne’sworks may form meaningful assemblages and should therefore be interpreted only inthe context of the whole manuscript. The Flea and The good-morrow clearly commenton one another and together complete the vision of the world which emerges from theirverses. Thanks to their autotelic character – the material form that itself conveysa message − the reader experiences this lyrical diptych as an observable phenomenonand an intellectual puzzle. The poet deliberately breaks existing patterns and rulesto expose chosen elements. It is the irregularities in the composition of the verses andstanzas, frequently perceived as imperfections, that open the door to deeper levelsof his metaphysical concept.

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