John Donne: Burnt Marshmallows --Sophia Colbert

   It takes a lot of humility to admit when you're wrong, but it takes even more to try to change. John Donne's "Holy Sonnet: I am a little world made cunningly" points to the truth that all humans are made of body and soul, and that both these parts are in the wrong. Ever since the fall, every man is born a sinner. His body will break down, it gets sick, tired, and hungry, and it gets hurt. His soul is a twisted, rotted, burning heap of malicious intentions, selfish motivations, and fiery passions. This poem uses the theological thought of total depravity. Total depravity does not mean that he is as bad as he can be, but that every part of him is sinful. It's like when you burn a marshmallow while making s'mores. The whole thing catches fire and turns black, making it undesirable for the chocolate and graham cracker. It doesn't mean it is burnt all the way through, but it is still burnt enough to render it useless. In the same way, people are enveloped in sin, but they are not burnt all the way through. Even unbelievers can have good manners and make moral choices. The point Donne is trying to make is that his little world is unacceptable in God's eyes. Whether completely burnt through or not, his marshmallow self is gross. It would take a work of God to make him new again, which is exactly what he begs for. He knows he is a hot mess. Most people can admit that they are not perfect, but asking for help to change is something they will not do. As Americans, we tend to follow the idea that we are independent in every aspect of life. The truth is that we are not meant to do everything on our own, and that there is no way we can reverse our burnt marshmallows into fresh puffs of pure goodness on our own. We should be more like Donne and beg God to make our souls new. It is better to eat a slice of humble pie than starve on your own pitiful pride.

P.S. I commented on Eliza and Nate's posts.