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John Donne1572 (London) – 1631 (London)
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
About this poem
"No man is an island" is a phrase that comes from a poem by the English poet John Donne, titled "Meditation XVII". The poem was published in 1624 as part of Donne's collection of essays and meditations, "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions".The poem explores the theme of interconnectedness and the shared experience of humanity. The speaker argues that every person is connected to others, and that each individual's experiences and actions have an impact on the larger community. The phrase "no man is an island" has become a popular expression that highlights the importance of social connection and the need for human interaction and support. The poem's timeless message has resonated with readers throughout the centuries, making it one of Donne's most famous works.more »
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Submitted on May 13, 2011
Modified by acronimous on February 19, 2023
- 28 secread
- 9,778Views
Quick analysis:
| Scheme | ABCDEFGHGEIJKE |
|---|---|
| Closest metre | Iambic trimeter |
| Characters | 386 |
| Words | 92 |
| Stanzas | 1 |
| Stanza Lengths | 14 |
Full analysis for No Man Is An Island »
John Donne
John Donne was an English poet, satirist, lawyer and a cleric in the Church of England.more…
All John Donne poems | John Donne Books
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Discuss the poem No Man Is An Island with the community...
talygarza
Lovely poem, frequently quoted, unrealized dream.
LikeReply2 months ago
Greyscale
This poem is quoted, and gives the title to, Ernest Hemingway’s novel “For Whom The Bell Tolls”.
LikeReply 11 year ago
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"No Man Is An Island" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Jun 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/22559/no-man-is-an-island>.
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