How did John Donne’s poetry differ from the smooth style of Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney?

John Donne’s poetry represented a radical departure from the conventions established by predecessors like Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney. While Spenser and Sidney were known for their mellifluous lines, smooth metrics, and euphonious sounds, Donne rejected this "smooth" style in favor of a more rugged, colloquial approach.1

Key differences include:

• Language and Rhythm: Donne replaced the descriptive, melodic verse of his predecessors with a "speaking voice." His syntax and rhythms mirror the patterns of living speech and the emotional intensity of dramatic confrontations, often plunging the reader directly into the middle of an encounter.1
• Imagery and Argument: Unlike the mythological references common in earlier verse, Donne drew his imagery from diverse, intellectual fields such as science, law, medicine, and global exploration. He utilized the conceit—an extended, ingenious metaphor—to yoke together apparently dissimilar ideas, forcing readers to engage in complex, closely reasoned arguments rather than simply enjoying the "softnesses of love".213
• Dramatic Structure: While earlier poets often dissected feelings in isolation, Donne’s lyrics frequently address a specific listener, making the poem’s progression dependent on that dramatic interaction.1