
Paradoxes and Problemes
With two characters and an essay of valour. Now for the first time reprinted from the editions of 1633 and 1652 with one additional problemeBy John DonneLength1h 33m
About this audiobook
John Donne's "Paradoxes and Problemes" is an intricate exploration of the human condition, encapsulated in a series of witty and philosophical musings that challenge conventional thought. Composed in a style characteristic of metaphysical poetry, the text employs paradox as a means to delve into the complexities of love, faith, and existence. This collection reflects the broader literary context of the early 17th century, where intellectual inquiry and poetic experimentation coalesce, revealing not only rhetorical brilliance but also deep existential questioning common in the works of Donne's contemporaries. John Donne, a clergyman and a prominent figure of the metaphysical school, drew upon his own tumultuous life experiences, including personal loss and spiritual struggles, to inform his writing. His engagement with themes of mortality, love, and religious devotion reveals the intricate layers of his character as both a skeptic and a believer. Educated at Oxford and Cambridge, Donne's mastery of language and form echoes the contradictions inherent in his own life, culminating in the profound insights presented in this collection. This book is highly recommended for readers seeking to engage with the depths of human thought and emotion through a lens that marries eloquence with complexity. "Paradoxes and Problemes" invites both scholars and casual readers alike to ponder life'Äôs most perplexing questions, making it an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in metaphysical poetry and philosophical discourse.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.7 (25)
Includes Goodreads, LibraryThing
GenrePoetry
Length1 hr 33 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 5, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2The Contents
3Bibliographical Note
41. A Defence of Womens Inconſtancy
52. That Women ought to paint
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63. That by Diſcord things increaſe
74. That good is more common then evill
85. That all things kill themſelves
96. That it is poſsible to find ſome vertue in ſome Women
107. That Old men are more fantaſtike then Young
118. That Nature is our worſt Guide
129. That only Cowards dare dye
1310. That a Wiſe Man is knowne by much laughing
1411. That the gifts of the Body are better then thoſe of the Minde
1512. That Virginity is a Vertue
161. Why have Baſtards beſt Fortune?
172. Why Puritanes make long Sermons?
183. Why did the Divel reſerve Jeſuites till theſe latter dayes
194. Why is there more variety of Green then of other Colours?
205. Why doe young Lay-men ſo much ſtudy Divinity
216. Why hath the common Opinion afforded Women Soules?
227. Why are the Faireſt, Falſeſt?
238. Why Venus-ſtar only doth caſt a ſhadow?
249. Why is Venus-ſtar multinominous, called both Heſperus and Veſper
2510. Why are New Officers leaſt oppreſſing?
2611. Why does the Poxe ſo much affect to undermine the Noſe?
2712. Why die none for Love now?
2813. Why do Women delight much in Feathers?
2914. Why doth not Gold ſoyl the fingers?
3015. Why do great men of all dependants, chuſe to preſerve their little Pimps?
3116. Why are Courtiers ſooner Atheiſts then men of other conditions?
3217. Why are ſtateſmen moſt incredulous?
3318. Why was Sir Walter Raleigh thought the fitteſt Man, to write the Hiſtorie of theſe Times?
34Characters
351. The Character of a Scot at the first ſight
362. The true Character of a Dunce
37An Eſſay of Valour