Metaphysical Poets
METAPHYSICAL POETRY
Metaphysical poetry, a term generally applied to the works of a group of English poets of the seventeenth century who wrote poetry in dramatic and conversational in rhythm in tone, intriguing and complex in theme and idea. Metaphysical poetry is also rich in striking and unusual imagery chosen from philosophy, theology, the arts, crafts and sciences. Metaphysical poems were also known as lyrical poems which are brief but intense meditations, characterized by striking use of wit, irony and wordplay. The poets used fresh and sophisticated approach to the writing of the lyrics which was marked by intellectual quality and inventive and subtle style, with the use of the metaphysical conceit that employs unusual and paradoxical images. The poets used exaggerated imagery that demands the reader to think about their poems rather than feel them emotionally. These poems were written about love, romantic and sensual; about man's relationship with God which is the eternal perspective, and, to a less extent, about pleasure, learning and art. Also those poems were written in lines of unequal or varying length and in rhythms that reflect the irregular and unpredictable movements of an active mind and of an informal speaking voice. Critics claimed metaphysical poets were only writing to show off their intelligence but many other enjoy figuring out metaphysical poems and approach them like solving a riddle.
DRYDEN was the first to apply the term to 17th-century poetry when, in 1693, he criticized Donne: 'He affects the Metaphysics... in his amorous verses, where nature only should reign; and perplexes the minds of the fair sex with nice speculations of philosophy, when he should engage their hearts.' He disapproved of Donne's stylistic excesses, particularly his extravagant conceits (or witty comparisons) and his tendency towards hyperbolic abstractions. SAMUEL JOHNSON (the critic) often referred to as Dr Johnson consolidated the argument in THE LIVES OF
Metaphysical poetry, a term generally applied to the works of a group of English poets of the seventeenth century who wrote poetry in dramatic and conversational in rhythm in tone, intriguing and complex in theme and idea. Metaphysical poetry is also rich in striking and unusual imagery chosen from philosophy, theology, the arts, crafts and sciences. Metaphysical poems were also known as lyrical poems which are brief but intense meditations, characterized by striking use of wit, irony and wordplay. The poets used fresh and sophisticated approach to the writing of the lyrics which was marked by intellectual quality and inventive and subtle style, with the use of the metaphysical conceit that employs unusual and paradoxical images. The poets used exaggerated imagery that demands the reader to think about their poems rather than feel them emotionally. These poems were written about love, romantic and sensual; about man's relationship with God which is the eternal perspective, and, to a less extent, about pleasure, learning and art. Also those poems were written in lines of unequal or varying length and in rhythms that reflect the irregular and unpredictable movements of an active mind and of an informal speaking voice. Critics claimed metaphysical poets were only writing to show off their intelligence but many other enjoy figuring out metaphysical poems and approach them like solving a riddle.
DRYDEN was the first to apply the term to 17th-century poetry when, in 1693, he criticized Donne: 'He affects the Metaphysics... in his amorous verses, where nature only should reign; and perplexes the minds of the fair sex with nice speculations of philosophy, when he should engage their hearts.' He disapproved of Donne's stylistic excesses, particularly his extravagant conceits (or witty comparisons) and his tendency towards hyperbolic abstractions. SAMUEL JOHNSON (the critic) often referred to as Dr Johnson consolidated the argument in THE LIVES OF