Question

How did John Donne initially view poetry when he began writing it?

• A. As a profound emotional expression
• B. As "a life-sign or minor irritation"
• C. As a means to fame and wealth
• D. As a tool for political commentary

Answer 1

Answer:

B. As "a life-sign or minor irritation"

• When John Donne first began writing poetry at Lincoln's Inn, he did not view it as something central to his life or purpose.

• Instead, he considered it more as "a life-sign or minor irritation." This suggests that, while he did write poetry, he didn’t see it as defining him or as his main pursuit at the time.

• It was something he engaged with, but not something that consumed his focus or became his primary calling.