Paradoxes and Problemes
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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 Donne
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Length1h 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

GenrePoetry
Length1 hr 33 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 5, 2021
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
205. Why doe young Lay-men ſo much ſtudy Divinity
2The Contents
216. Why hath the common Opinion afforded Women Soules?
3Bibliographical Note
227. Why are the Faireſt, Falſeſt?
41. A Defence of Womens Inconſtancy
238. Why Venus-ſtar only doth caſt a ſhadow?
52. That Women ought to paint
249. Why is Venus-ſtar multinominous, called both Heſperus and Veſper
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63. That by Diſcord things increaſe
2510. Why are New Officers leaſt oppreſſing?
74. That good is more common then evill
2611. Why does the Poxe ſo much affect to undermine the Noſe?
85. That all things kill themſelves
2712. Why die none for Love now?
96. That it is poſsible to find ſome vertue in ſome Women
2813. Why do Women delight much in Feathers?
107. That Old men are more fantaſtike then Young
2914. Why doth not Gold ſoyl the fingers?
118. That Nature is our worſt Guide
3015. Why do great men of all dependants, chuſe to preſerve their little Pimps?
129. That only Cowards dare dye
3116. Why are Courtiers ſooner Atheiſts then men of other conditions?
1310. That a Wiſe Man is knowne by much laughing
3217. Why are ſtateſmen moſt incredulous?
1411. That the gifts of the Body are better then thoſe of the Minde
3318. Why was Sir Walter Raleigh thought the fitteſt Man, to write the Hiſtorie of theſe Times?
1512. That Virginity is a Vertue
34Characters
161. Why have Baſtards beſt Fortune?
351. The Character of a Scot at the first ſight
172. Why Puritanes make long Sermons?
362. The true Character of a Dunce
183. Why did the Divel reſerve Jeſuites till theſe latter dayes
37An Eſſay of Valour
194. Why is there more variety of Green then of other Colours?

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