What are the characteristic of metaphysical poetry?

What are the characteristic of metaphysical poetry?

Metaphysical poetry is a group of poems that share common characteristics: they are all highly intellectualized, use rather strange imagery, use frequent paradox and contain extremely complicated thought.

What did metaphysical poets focus on?

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.

What do metaphysical poets believe in?

Metaphysical poetry is not intended to be read in a passive way, and its use of paradox, imagery and wit are meant to awaken the reader. Metaphysical poetry asks the philosophical questions about religion, faith, spirituality and being.

What is metaphysical style of poetry?

Definition of metaphysical poetry : highly intellectualized poetry marked by bold and ingenious conceits, incongruous imagery, complexity and subtlety of thought, frequent use of paradox, and often by deliberate harshness or rigidity of expression.

What does metaphysical mean in literature?

Metaphysical is a philosophical concept used in literature to describe the things that are beyond the description of physical existence. ‘ The meanings are clear that it deals with the things that are beyond this the existence of the physical world.

What is metaphysical theory?

Derived from the Greek meta ta physika (“after the things of nature”); referring to an idea, doctrine, or posited reality outside of human sense perception. As such, it is concerned with explaining the features of reality that exist beyond the physical world and our immediate senses. …

What were the metaphysical poets reacting against?

The metaphysical poets were reacting against the flowery language that was used in Elizabethan poetry. The metaphysical poets were a small group of English lyric poets of the 17th century. They aimed to change the high-flown language of Elizabethan poetry.

What is metaphysical poetry examples?

1. John Donne, ‘The Flea’. Like many of the best metaphysical poems, ‘The Flea’ uses an interesting and unusual conceit to make an argument – in this case, about the nature of physical love. Like Andrew Marvell’s ‘To His Coy Mistress’ (see below), ‘The Flea’ is essentially a seduction lyric.

What is a meter in literature?

Meter is the basic rhythmic structure of a line within a work of poetry. Meter consists of two components: The number of syllables. A pattern of emphasis on those syllables.

What is the focus of metaphysics?

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of existence, being and the world. Arguably, metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy: Aristotle calls it “first philosophy” (or sometimes just “wisdom”), and says it is the subject that deals with “first causes and the principles of things”.

Who are the metaphysical poets evaluate their contribution to English poetry?

Although this method was by no means new, these men infused new life into English poetry by the freshness and originality of their approach. The most important metaphysical poets are John Donne, George Herbert, Henry Vaughan, Thomas Traherne, Abraham Cowley, Richard Crashaw, and Andrew Marvell.

What are the characteristics of a metaphysical poet?

Literary Devices: Metaphysical poetry uses metaphors, puns, paradoxes & meter to create drama & tension. In addition, Metaphysical poetry uses scientific, medical & legal words & phrases to create arguments about the philosophical aspect of life. Poets: Metaphysical poets were men of high intellect.

Who is considered the founder of metaphysical poetry?

All conversations about metaphysical poetry must start with John Donne. He is considered the founder of metaphysical poetry and master of the metaphysical conceit. Donne was not only a poet but a lawyer, priest and satirist. His poetry reflects this diversity, and his works are just as religious as they are funny.

What are the characteristics of 17th century metaphysical poetry?

There are other more specific characteristics that prompted Johnson to place the 17th-century poets together. Perhaps the most common characteristic is that metaphysical poetry contained large doses of wit.

When was the peak of metaphysical poetry in England?

Metaphysical Poetry Metaphysical poetry was at its peak during the seventeenth century in England and continental Europe. The movement explored everything from irony to philosophy and conceits. It is for its complex and original conceits that most metaphysical poems are noted.

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