Metaphysical poetry is a style of poetry that was popular in the seventeenth century, characterized by its use of complex and abstract ideas, as well as its use of unconventional metaphors and imagery. Metaphysical poets often wrote about topics such as love, religion, and the nature of the universe, using a wide range of literary devices and techniques to convey their ideas and emotions.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of metaphysical poetry is its use of extended metaphors and conceits. A conceit is a extended metaphor that compares two seemingly unrelated objects or ideas, using elaborate and often complex language to describe the comparison. For example, in the poem "The Flea" by John Donne, the speaker compares the flea that has bitten him to a marriage between the speaker and the woman he desires. This extended metaphor is used to argue that the flea's act of biting and drawing blood from both the speaker and the woman has created a bond between them that is akin to marriage.
Another characteristic of metaphysical poetry is its use of paradoxes and oxymorons. These devices are used to challenge the reader's assumptions and to create tension and ambiguity in the poem. For example, in the poem "The Good-Morrow" by John Donne, the speaker claims that "love" is not a "new" thing, but rather something that has always existed. This statement seems paradoxical, as love is often thought of as something that is constantly changing and evolving. However, by using this paradox, the speaker is able to convey the timeless and eternal nature of love.
Metaphysical poetry is also known for its use of complex and abstract ideas, often drawn from philosophy, science, and theology. The poets of this era were deeply interested in exploring the mysteries of the universe and the human experience, and their poetry reflects this fascination with the deep and complex questions of existence. For example, in the poem "Death, be not proud" by John Donne, the speaker challenges the traditional Christian belief in the finality of death, arguing that death is not a powerful force to be feared, but rather a "slave" to the will of God.
In conclusion, metaphysical poetry is characterized by its use of extended metaphors and conceits, paradoxes and oxymorons, and complex and abstract ideas. These literary devices and techniques help the poets of this era to convey their ideas and emotions in a unique and powerful way, making metaphysical poetry a fascinating and enduring literary tradition.
Metaphysical Poetry
Topics of interest often included love, religion, and morality, which the metaphysical poets considered through unusual comparisons, frequently employing unexpected similes and metaphors in displays of wit. The altar represents the conceit to show how people should sacrifice themselves to God. So, here we find various allusions and images relating to practicality in all areas of nature and art and learning— to medicine, cosmology, contemporary discoveries, ancient myth, history, law, and art. It is not purposely trying to convince readers to think in a certain way but it provides a new way of thinking. What Does Metaphysical Mean? These weird comparisons were called conceits. John Donne introduced sayings into metaphysical poetry.
What is Metaphysical Poetry? More About metaphysical poetry
The important metaphysical poets — Donne, Herbert, Vaughan, Cvashaw, Carew and Marvell — bear some common trends in their thoughts and indicate some common technique in their mood of expression. Why is metaphysical poetry important? The witty expression and novel ideas are fundamental to poetic purpose. Simple Language: The language used in metaphysical poetry is simple and easy to understand, devoid of elevated and ornate speech, which is found in classical writings. John Donne 1572-1631 John Donne, Founder of Metaphysical Poetry All conversations about metaphysical poetry must start with John Donne. The purpose is to present a new idea and make the reader think. The wanton abuse of hyperboles must not be thought of to be an exclusive metaphysical peculiarity. The term Metaphysical poets was coined by the critic Samuel Johnson to describe a loose group of 17th-century English poets whose work was characterised by the inventive use of conceits, and by a greater emphasis on the spoken rather than lyrical quality of their verse.
Characteristics of Metaphysical School of English Poetry
Discover more literary characteristics of metaphysical poetry including paradoxes, puns, and conceits , and examples of metaphysical poets including John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell. What makes meta poetry different from other poetry? On the other hand, we can say that they created the poetic diction of their own. It talks about soul, love, religion, reality etc. There can be unusual philosophies and comparisons that will make you think and ponder. In the first part, William Wordsworth is known as the master of Romantic Poetry for his literary brilliance, depiction of emotions, personifying human life with nature, and propagation of a way of living that called everyone back to nature. Presenting new ideas and marveling through the art of conceit, imagery, and allusion surprises every reader and challenges them to the wonders of the poet's learning.
What is Metaphysical Poetry and What Are Its Characteristics? » Smart English Notes
Vivian Bearing, a middle-aged professor of seventeenth-century poetry at the university. In this work of ontology, he defines four realms of being; The Realm of Essence, The Realm of Matter, The Realm of Truth, and The Realm of Spirit. Affectation and Hyperbole We must, however, remember that in good metaphysical poetry, the hyperbole is never superficial. It topics included love, life and existence. Any poet must separate himself from his experience if his poem is to be more than a personal outcry.
Characteristics of the Metaphysical School of Poetry
Metaphysical poetry is a little bit different. Concentration There is no elaboration, but rather concentration in metaphysical poetry. Metaphysical poetry asks the philosophical questions about religion, faith, spirituality and being. The poem describes how poetry students miss the excitement of the senses because they are required to examine and interpret poems according to stringent rules. Secondly, modern poetry is fragmented in nature, containing juxtaposition, inter-textuality and allusion. What are the 3 major of categories of metaphysics? If so, then is free choice non-existent? The skilful and adept art of poetic form has been progressed by Donne and his contemporary poets even despite criticisms of breaking the Elizabethan tradition of writing.
