Metaphysical Poetry An Introduction

The term "metaphysical" refers to philosophical speculations beyond the sensory: notions such as time, God, human nature, faith, death, love, eternity Meta (above or beyond) physical Existing in the material world

Metaphysical Poetry The metaphysical poets is a term coined by the poet and critic Samuel Johnson to describe a loose group of English lyric poets of the 17th century whose work was characterized by the inventive use of elaborate comparisons and by speculation about topics such as love or religion. These poets were not formally affiliated; most of them did not even know one another or read one another’s work.

Major Metaphysical Poets John Donne (1572–1631) George Herbert (1593–1633) Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) Saint Robert Southwell (c. 1561–1595) Henry Vaughan (1622–1695) Anne Bradstreet (American) 1612-1672 Edward Taylor (American) 1642-1729

What They Do Metaphysical poets attempt to explain the emotional and spiritual elements of life in concrete, rational and logical terms. They attempt to define our sentiments by logical syllogisms or in scientific terms.

Argument/Dialectic Many of the poems are built up on a logical structure (this is sometimes called dialectic - a use of argument whereby a statement is given, then challenged to provide a new conclusion). They challenge our intellect ,and this is a key aspect of the pleasure of reading metaphysical poetry. statement challenge new conclusion

Use of Paradox A paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory but actually reveals a new and important truth. The Christian idea that we can only gain our life by losing it is an excellent example of a paradox.

Verbal Skill and Wit The Metaphysicals loved puns and clever plays on words

Hyperbole – over exaggeration

The metaphysical conceit (aka the “controlling metaphor” Like similes and metaphors, a conceit establishes a relationship between two things for the sake of comparison, but for a conceit the comparison has to be strange or outrageous. A conceit is also often elaborate and extended as the points of comparison and contrast are worked out by the poet. Life Prison

No Man Is an Island No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne John Donne

Make a Conceit Life is a highway…. I am going 100 miles an hour. Now add to it………

Memento Mori latin for “remember that you must die” or “in mind of death” An obsessive awareness of death and human mortality, often presented in the visual art of the day in the form of a "memento mori" or a skull painted at the side of paintings to remind viewers of the brevity and vanity of human life.

Carpe Diem Closely related to the memento mori is the theme of carpe diem, “seize the day.”

Imagery and Comparisons Tne Metaphysicals drew their imagery and comparisons from a variety of sources, including Gardens Kingship and rule War Science Alchemy Exploration

Poetry on the Literature Test AP Literature Test Metaphysical Poetry Romantic Poetry Modern Poetry