In comparison, he feels weak and inferior. These emotions are driven by fear of God and while fear is never good, it can be constructive in regard to building character.

Donne's language is significant because it emphasizes the mood and tone of the poem. He describes himself as "riddenly distempered, cold and hot" (7) - words that illustrate the conflict he is feeling. It is important to realize how these conflicts allow the poet see himself as he actually is. The cold and hot images are polar opposites and they reveal the poet's awareness of his human condition. The conflict within him is also illustrated with the image of a prayer and muteness. God's infinite power forces the poet to realize that he is none but he calls to God. His "devout fits" (12) are come and go just as his fear does and while he realizes that he will...
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