Chiaroscuro Faith: Illuminating the Shadowed Catholic Self in Donne's "Pseudo-Martyr"

Abstract

This paper endeavours to present an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the literary work Pseudo-Martyr by John Donne, with the primary objective of unveiling and elucidating his repressed Catholic identity through a thorough exploration of the intricate layers of his personality. In light of the concept of “chiaroscuro”, the core aim of this critical examination is to unravel the interwoven multifaceted dimensions of Donne’s internal conflict and the intricate process of self-negotiation, all within the broader context of his religious identity. The title of this article succinctly encapsulates the central theme, i.e. exposing the suppressed and concealed aspects of Donne’s identity as manifested in his literary opus. Through a meticulous and detailed scrutiny of the text Pseudo-Martyr, this work delves into the profound themes of religious emancipation and self-discovery, thereby shedding illuminating insights on the poet’s profound internal struggles and the eventual liberation of his covert Catholic identity, all examined through the lens of “chiaroscuro” as both a literary and an artistic technique.