1. Metaphysical poetry
Unknown artist (English School). Portrait of John Donne, National Portrait Gallery, London. 1

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Metaphysical poetry
1. Meaning of metaphysical
METAPHYSICAL
concerned with the fundamental problems of the nature of the universe and man’s function or place in life
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3. Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
The leading poet was John Donne.
The poet was a man of “wit”, displaying his sensitivity, his knowledge and cleverness.
Reflected the intellectual and spiritual crisis of the 17th century.
John Donne, after a miniature by Isaac Oliver, 1616.
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
A particular type of metaphor or simile called conceit:
If they be two, they are two so
As stiff twin compasses are two,
Thy soul the fixed foot, makes no show
To move, but doth, if th’other do.
(John Donne, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning)
The poet compares the souls of lovers to compasses.
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5. 2. Main characteristics The conceit
Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
The conceit
Insists on the relationship between A (the tenor) and B (the vehicle)
Illustrates and develops ideas in a detailed and over-complex way, often with an effect of shock or surprise
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
Unusual images taken from all fields of knowledge: history, geography, astronomy, alchemy, mathematics, etc.
Look, and tomorrow late, tell me,
Whether both the Indias of spice and mine
Be where thou left’st them, or lie here with me.
Ask for those kings whom thou saw’st yesterday,
And thou shalt hear, All here in one bed lay.
(John Donne, The Sun Rising)
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
Paradox:
A statement which is apparently contradictory though in some sense true:
Take me to you, imprison me, for I
Except you enthral me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.
  (J. Donne, Batter my heart)
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
Dramatic quality
Most poems begin in medias res:
Go, and catch a falling star,
Get with child a mandrake root,
Tell me, where all past years are
(John Donne, Song)
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