Meditation 17

The Meditation’s foundational theme is that by empathizing with one another’s suffering, we recognize our common humanity. Donne builds a steady argument to substantiate this claim. He initially points out to his audience the day-to-day experience that they all share when they hear church bells. He uses this experience to initiate a reflection on religious ceremonies that they also share. He continues to build his case by positing that the death of one diminishes all members of the church. Lastly, he claims that no individual exists alone.

The bells’ tolling is a consistent, auditory image that weaves throughout the sermon, reminding the congregation of a shared daily occurrence: Everyone hears the bells; everyone knows what the bells mean. So deeply ingrained are these rhythms that each member of the congregation has a common reaction to the bells. A particular sound indicates the birth of a baby, eliciting a happy response. Likewise, the mournful tolling of a death knell inspires sadness. The bells are a powerful tool of communication and a far-reaching symbol of shared experience.

The toll immediately introduces the premise that people’s lives are intertwined, and Donne further develops the concept by reflecting on the bonds created through religious ceremonies: “The church is catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does, belongs to all” (Line 4).