We studied the poetry of John Milton and John Donne. Regarding John Donne, I provided biographical information and discussed the literary characteristics of "Metaphysical" poetry which include the use of the "conceit" and paradox. We then examined one of Donne's poems and parsed its structure and meaning by identifying the use of conceits and paradox as well as by identifying the influence of religious doctrine. We further studied John MIliton. I first provided historical and biographical background as well as explanations of the numerous religious allusions in the poem. We then noted how the structure of Milton's poem is similar to Donne's in that both pose rhetorical questions in the opening stanzas which the remainder of the poem answers. We further identified alliteration and rhyme scheme ,and I introduced the term metonymy and discussed its relationship to poetic synecdoche after which we located Milton's use of metonymy.