While John Donne's poetry is often portrayed as a stark contrast to the Petrarchan tradition due to its explicit treatment of sex and love, the document argues this is an oversimplification and that Donne was actually extending the Petrarchan form in a new direction; moreover, Donne and Petrarch shared similar backgrounds and aspirations as well-educated, well-rounded intellectuals from aristocratic families. The document cautions against facile stereotypes about Donne's philosophy and approach to poetry.