Metaphysical Poetry

Metaphysical poetry is a type of poetry that flourished in England in the 17th century. It is characterized by its use of wit, conceit, and intellectual argument. Metaphysical poets often explore complex philosophical and theological ideas in their poems, and they often use unusual imagery and metaphors to do so.

The term “metaphysical poetry” was first used by Samuel Johnson in his 1744 book, The Lives of the Poets. Johnson used the term to describe the poetry of John Donne, who is considered to be the father of metaphysical poetry. Donne’s poems are often characterized by their use of complex metaphors and conceits. For example, in his poem “The Flea,” Donne compares the love between two people to the bite of a flea. He argues that the flea is a symbol of the two lovers’ souls, which are now joined together.

Other important metaphysical poets include George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, and Henry Vaughan. Herbert’s poems are often religious in nature, and they often use simple language and imagery to express complex theological ideas. Marvell’s poems are often witty and playful, and they often explore the relationship between love and death. Vaughan’s poems are often mystical and visionary, and they often explore the relationship between the human soul and God.

Metaphysical poetry declined in popularity in the 18th century, but it experienced a revival in the 20th century. T.S. Eliot, one of the most important poets of the 20th century, was a great admirer of metaphysical poetry. Eliot’s own poetry is often characterized by its use of wit, conceit, and intellectual argument.

Metaphysical poetry is a complex and challenging form of poetry, but it can also be very rewarding. If you are interested in exploring this type of poetry, I would recommend starting with the work of John Donne. Donne’s poems are a good introduction to the key features of metaphysical poetry, and they are also some of the most beautiful and moving poems ever written.

Here are some examples of metaphysical poetry characteristics:

Intellectual wit: Metaphysical poets often use wit to surprise and delight their readers. They may use puns, paradoxes, or other forms of wordplay to create unexpected and clever insights. For example, in his poem “The Flea,” Donne uses a pun on the word “sting” to create a witty and unexpected image of the love between two people.

Conceits: A conceit is a complex metaphor that compares two unlike things. Metaphysical poets often use conceits to explore complex ideas in a new and original way. For example, in his poem “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” Donne compares the love between two people to the two legs of a compass. This conceit allows Donne to explore the idea that love is a force that binds two people together, even when they are apart.

Personalized imagery: Metaphysical poets often use personal and concrete imagery to create a vivid and immediate experience for the reader. They may use images from everyday life, or they may use more unusual and exotic imagery. For example, in his poem “The Sun Rising,” Donne uses the image of the sun to create a vivid and immediate image of the love between two people.

Dramatic monologue: Metaphysical poets often write in the form of a dramatic monologue. In a dramatic monologue, the poet speaks directly to the reader, often from a particular point of view. This creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy between the poet and the reader. For example, in his poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” T.S. Eliot uses the form of a dramatic monologue to explore the inner thoughts and feelings of a man who is struggling with his own sense of inadequacy.

Metaphysical poetry is a rich and varied tradition that has influenced many poets over the centuries. If you are interested in exploring this type of poetry, I would encourage you to read some of the work of the poets mentioned above.

Metaphysical poetry is a rich and varied tradition that has influenced many poets over the centuries. If you are interested in exploring this type of poetry, I would encourage you to read some of the work of the poets mentioned above.