Jason M. Baxter Knows Why Literature Still Matters.

John Donne's 'La Corona' is a sequence of seven sonnets that form a crown-like structure through linked repetition. Each sonnet focuses on a different aspect of Christ's life, from the Annunciation to the Ascension. The last line of each sonnet becomes the first line of the next, creating a cyclical effect. The final line of the seventh sonnet echoes the first line of the first, completing the crown. This structure reflects the interconnectedness of Christ's life and the continuous cycle of salvation. 'La Corona' showcases Donne's intellectual complexity and his ability to blend theological themes with intricate poetic form.

Edmund Spenser's 'Epithalamion' is a celebratory wedding poem written for his own marriage to Elizabeth Boyle in 1594. The poem unfolds as a sequence of stanzas that mirror the events of the wedding day, from dawn until night. Spenser invokes various mythological figures and Christian symbols to bless the union and ensure fertility and happiness. Through vivid imagery and elaborate metaphors, the poem celebrates the beauty of love, the sanctity of marriage, and the harmony between the natural and divine realms. 'Epithalamion' stands as one of the finest examples of the epithalamium genre in English literature.

'Auguries of Innocence' is a poem by William Blake consisting of a series of couplets that explore themes of innocence, experience, and the interconnectedness of all things. The poem presents a series of aphoristic observations about nature, humanity, and the divine. Blake's visionary language and symbolic imagery invite readers to contemplate the deeper meanings hidden within everyday experiences. 'Auguries of Innocence' reflects Blake's mystical worldview and his belief in the power of imagination to perceive truth and beauty in the world.

Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy' is an epic poem that chronicles the journey of the protagonist, Dante, through the afterlife. It is divided into three parts: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). Guided by the Roman poet Virgil, Dante descends into Hell, witnessing the torments of various sinners. In Purgatory, he ascends a mountain, purging his own sins. Finally, led by Beatrice, Dante ascends to Paradise, experiencing the divine presence. The poem explores themes of sin, redemption, divine justice, and the nature of God, offering a comprehensive vision of the medieval worldview.

The Compleat Angler is a celebrated book by Izaak Walton, first published in 1653. It is a pastoral discourse that explores the art and spirit of fishing, blending prose and verse. The book follows a narrative where a fisherman teaches his friend the techniques of fishing over several days. Later editions, including contributions by Charles Cotton, expanded the work to include sections on fly fishing. The book has become one of the most frequently reprinted works in English literature.

In *Purgatorio*, Dante Alighieri continues his journey from *Inferno*, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. The poem follows Dante as he ascends Mount Purgatory, a seven-terrace mountain where souls atone for the seven deadly sins. Along the way, Dante encounters various historical and mythological figures, engaging in discussions about sin, love, and human development. The journey culminates at the Garden of Eden, where Dante meets Beatrice, who will guide him through the next stage of his journey in *Paradiso*. The poem explores themes of redemption, suffering, and the purification of the soul, all while reflecting on divine truth and human history.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" follows the adventurous journey of Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman, who wagers he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Accompanied by his French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a thrilling race against time, encountering various challenges and exciting adventures along the way. The novel explores themes of adventure, determination, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Verne's detailed descriptions of different cultures and landscapes add to the story's immersive quality. The novel's enduring popularity stems from its captivating plot and timeless themes.

John Milton's "Lycidas" is a pastoral elegy written to commemorate the death of Edward King. The poem is a complex and multifaceted work that explores themes of grief, mortality, and the nature of poetic fame. It's known for its intricate use of classical allusions, its shifting tone, and its blend of personal emotion and intellectual reflection. The poem's innovative structure and its challenging blend of conventions and subversions have made it a subject of ongoing critical debate. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of timeless human concerns and its masterful use of language. The work's impact on English literature is undeniable.

Published in 1857, 'Madame Bovary' is a seminal work of literary realism that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who marries Charles Bovary, a dull and unambitious doctor. Emma's life is marked by boredom, romantic fantasies, and a series of ill-fated love affairs with men like Rodolphe and Léon. Her inability to distinguish between her romantic ideals and the harsh realities of her life leads to financial ruin, public scandal, and ultimately, her tragic demise. The novel is renowned for its masterful writing, detailed psychological insights, and its critique of bourgeois provincial life.

Published in 1945, 'That Hideous Strength' is the final book in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy. The story takes place on Earth and follows the character Mark Studdock, a young sociology faculty member at Bracton College, as he becomes entangled with the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N. I. C. E. ), a sinister organization with totalitarian ambitions. The novel delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the struggle between good and evil, featuring characters from the previous books in the trilogy, including Elwin Ransom. It critiques the dangers of logical positivism and the erosion of moral values, drawing parallels with other dystopian works like George Orwell's '1984'.