Satire and the “Deathles Soule”

Chapter 2 concerns early interpretations of Donne’s satiric poetry, specifically Metempsychosis. Investigating a copy of Donne’s strange poem in Folger, Manuscript V.a. 241, this study proposes that the compiler purposefully grouped it with the other contents—satiric dialogues by Lucian and a fable entitled “The Tale of the Fauorite”—because of a thematic link: the dangers of untrustworthy advisors. Donne had just cause to fear criticizing the court candidly, especially thanks to his Catholic family heritage. Surrounded by spies and censors, in 1601 Donne resorted to poetic subterfuge. Analysis of paratexts and thematic connections suggests that a contemporary reader interpreted Metempsychosis as topical satire on manipulative court counselors, thus reinforcing the modern critical contention that the poem satirizes Sir Robert Cecil. This study also reveals a reader who, while compiling the manuscript in approximately 1620, might have perceived that such criticisms maintained relevance for George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.