The Klockius by John Donne (Poem, Summary, Paraphrase, Analysis & Questions)

 

The Klockius

by John Donne

(Poem, Summary, Paraphrase, Analysis & Questions) 

The Klockius

Klockius so deeply hath sworn ne'er more to come

In bawdy house, that he dares not go home.

 

When he came there, and paid for all the meat,

The wench, he thought, made signs to him to eat.

But he so much did charge his thoughts with sin,

That he took signs to be his debt to win.

 

His heart was full of many a holy curse,

That he had touched that which was none of his.

He sighs, he weeps, he wrings his hands full sore,

And vows to sin no more, nor come there more.

 

It’s a short humorous poem about a man named Klockius who swears off visiting brothels after a shameful experience. The tone is comic and ironic, showing Donne’s range beyond just metaphysical poetry.

 

Summary

The poem tells the story of a man named Klockius who makes a firm vow never to visit a bawdy house (a brothel) again. His experience there was so troubling and shameful that he is afraid even to return home.

When Klockius entered the bawdy house, he paid for all the food and drinks. While he was there, a woman (referred to as a “wench”) seemed to give him signals or signs that invited him to engage in more intimate behavior.

However, Klockius was so overwhelmed with guilt and sinful thoughts that he misinterpreted these signs. Instead of understanding them as invitations, he took them as indications that he owed her money or a debt.

As a result of this confusion and his heavy sense of guilt, Klockius becomes deeply upset. He sighs, weeps, and wrings his hands in remorse.

In the end, he solemnly vows never to sin again by avoiding such places in the future.

 

Line-by-line Paraphrase

Original:

Klockius so deeply hath sworn ne'er more to come

In bawdy house, that he dares not go home.

Paraphrase:

Klockius has made such a strong promise never to visit a brothel again, that now he’s too afraid even to go back home.

 

Original:

When he came there, and paid for all the meat,

The wench, he thought, made signs to him to eat.

Paraphrase:

When he arrived and paid for all the food and drink,

he believed the woman was signaling him to enjoy himself further.

 

Original:

But he so much did charge his thoughts with sin,

That he took signs to be his debt to win.

Paraphrase:

But his mind was so full of sinful thoughts,

that he misunderstood the signals as a reminder of what he owed.

 

Original:

His heart was full of many a holy curse,

That he had touched that which was none of his.

Paraphrase:

He felt deeply guilty and cursed himself,

because he had been involved with something that didn’t belong to him morally.

 

Original:

He sighs, he weeps, he wrings his hands full sore,

And vows to sin no more, nor come there more.

Paraphrase:

He sighs, cries, and nervously twists his hands,

and promises never to sin again or return to that place.

 

Analysis in Detail

John Donne’s poem “The Klockius” is a brief but insightful example of his ability to combine humor, irony, and moral reflection. Unlike his well-known metaphysical and religious poetry, this poem adopts a lighter, more satirical tone while still exploring themes of sin, guilt, and repentance.

 

Theme of Sin and Guilt:

The poem centers on the character Klockius, who has committed a moral transgression by visiting a bawdy house. The setting itself—a brothel—is traditionally associated with sin and moral weakness. Klockius’s deep remorse and his “holy curse” on himself reflect a heavy sense of guilt. His internal struggle between desire and conscience is clear; even though he participates in the sinful act, his conscience condemns him fiercely.

 

Irony and Misinterpretation:

An important element in the poem is Klockius’s misunderstanding of the signals from the “wench.” While she seemingly invites him to indulge further, Klockius, burdened with guilt, interprets her signs as a demand for payment or debt. This irony not only adds humor but also highlights how sin distorts perception. Klockius’s guilty mind makes him see things not as they are but through the lens of his own shame and fear.

 

Repentance and Resolution:

The poem concludes with Klockius’s vow to avoid sin and not return to the bawdy house. This moment of repentance is typical of Donne’s religious sensibilities, where acknowledgment of sin is followed by a resolution to amend one’s ways. Though brief, this shows a moral message embedded in the poem, emphasizing the spiritual consequences of indulgence and the possibility of redemption through sincere regret.

 

Tone and Style:

The tone of “The Klockius” is simultaneously comic and serious. The comic elements arise from the situation’s awkwardness, the confusion over the “signs,” and Klockius’s exaggerated remorse, which borders on farce. At the same time, the serious undertone reflects genuine spiritual conflict. This duality in tone is characteristic of Donne’s writing, where wit and depth coexist.

 

Use of Language:

Donne uses straightforward language with some metaphorical weight — for example, “holy curse” conveys the paradox of spiritual condemnation for a worldly sin. The poem’s concise structure and simple rhyme scheme contribute to its brisk, almost anecdotal feel, making it accessible while still conveying complex emotional and moral dynamics.

In summary, “The Klockius” showcases John Donne’s skill at blending humor with theological reflection. It illustrates the torment of conscience in the face of sin and the human tendency to misunderstand situations through guilt’s distorting lens, all while maintaining a playful tone that invites readers to both laugh and reflect.

 

Possible Exam Questions

Who is the main character in the poem “The Klockius”?

 

What vow does Klockius make in the poem?

 

What does the “wench” in the poem do when Klockius visits the bawdy house?

 

How does Klockius interpret the signals given by the wench?

 

What emotions does Klockius experience after his visit to the bawdy house?

 

What is the central theme of the poem “The Klockius”?

 

How does John Donne use irony in the poem?

 

Discuss the theme of guilt and repentance in John Donne’s “The Klockius.”

 

Analyze how John Donne blends humor and moral reflection in “The Klockius.”

 

Explain the significance of Klockius’s misunderstanding of the wench’s signs in the poem.

 

How does “The Klockius” reflect John Donne’s religious sensibilities despite its comic tone?

 

Describe the tone of the poem and explain how Donne achieves the balance between seriousness and humor.

 

Write a detailed summary of “The Klockius” and explain the character’s internal conflict.

 

Examine the use of language and imagery in “The Klockius” and how they contribute to the overall meaning.