Comparative Study of Texts - Module a (Hsc) - W; T and...

Despite the differences in context, a comparative study of the poetry of John Donne and Margaret Edson’s play, ‘W;t’, is essential for a more complete understanding of the values and ideas presented in ‘W;t’. Discuss this with close reference to both texts. When deconstructing the text ‘W;t’, by Margaret Edson, a comparative study of the poetry of John Donne is necessary for a better conceptual understanding of the values and ideas presented in Edson’s ‘W;t’. Through this comparative study, the audience is able to develop an extended understanding of the ideas surrounding death. This is achieved through the use of the semi-colon in the dramas title, ‘W;t’. Edson also uses juxtapositions and the literary device, wit, to shape and†¦show more content†¦Donne conveys how religion is a central idea through the use of many religious references throughout the holy sonnets. In ‘Death Be Not Proud’, Donne makes a religious reference to Jesus, ‘Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill mee’, expressing how religion was an underlying theme when handling many issues. When the two texts are studied in alliance, it allows the responder to draw a better understanding of the themes presented in ‘W;t’. This theme, science VS religion, has been emphasised due to the contrasts between Vivian and Donne and their context. Vivian’s condescending nature is a characteristic that becomes amplified in her own flashbacks. This is shown through the quote, â€Å"So far so good, but they can only think for themselves only so long before the being to self-destruct†¦ Lost it† this shows how Vivian hides behind her wit which is a parallel drawn from herself and Donne. It shows the audience how they both try to hide from death by using wit. At the start of the drama, Edson alienates the main character through the use of a double meaning; â€Å"I’ve got less than two hours. Then: curtain†. ‘Curtain’ is symbolic of death and the use of this double meaning engages the audience, not through emotions, but objectives. The main theme explored in ‘W;t’ is life and death, and the connection between them. Vivian has dedicated her life to being a scholar of Donne’s holy sonnets and is therefore an expert on human morality, however whilst in