Question

What technique does Donne use to create a fast rhythm in the first half of Holy Sonnet XIV: Batter My Heart?

iambic pentameter
paradox
shocking metaphors
single-syllable verbs

Answer 1

Donne uses iambic pentameter to create a fast rhythm in the first half of Holy Sonnet XIV: Batter My Heart.

An iambic pentameter is a form of a metrical line in which each line contains five unstressed syllables followed by five stressed syllables. They are usually arranged in an alternating pattern.

In the poem, Donne asks God to increase the power of the holy so that they can dominate the people. He wants that God need not to knock or ask rather he should build the force on people. The poet uses paradox by asking God to throw him down like a town so that he can rise up after becoming stronger.  

Answer 2

Donne uses the iambic pentameter for creating a fast rhythm in the first half of Holy Sonnet XIV: Batter My Heart.

When it comes to iambic pentameter,  it is the form of medical line in that every line consists of 5 unstressed syllables actually followed by 5 stressed syllables.

These syllables are actually arranged in the alternating pattern.