Metaphysical Poetry

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                Metaphysical Poetry

    

     

Q.1  History of Metaphysical Poetry

Ans. 

           The word “metaphysical” was used by writers such as John Dryden and Samuel Johnson in regards to the poets of the seventeenth century. These poets are noted for their “unnaturalness”. Johnson wrote in Lives of the Most Eminent Engish Poets in the late 1700s, that a “race of writers” had appeared that might be termed “metaphysical poets”. The term was likely taken from Dryden who had described John Donne as affecting “metaphysics” in his “satires” and his “amorous verses”. It was not until the twentieth century that many of these poets were adequately recognized for their talent and originality.

T.S. Eliot is one of the many twentieth-century literary critics who helped to establish the well-deserved reputation that writers such as John Donne and Andrew Marvell now hold. He applied many of their techniques to his own writing.

 

Q.2  Who were the Metaphysical Poets?

Ans. 

           The Metaphysical Poets were a group of English poets who wrote during the 17th century. They are known for their distinctive style characterized by complex metaphors, intellectual themes, and intricate wordplay. Some prominent Metaphysical Poets include:

(1.) John Donne :

Often considered the founder of the Metaphysical school, Donne's poems explore themes like love, religion, and human relationships with a sharp intellect and metaphysical conceits.

(2.) George Herbert :

His poetry often focuses on religious devotion and the spiritual journey, with a strong emphasis on religious metaphors and conceits.

(3.) Andrew Marvell :

Marvell's poems cover various topics, including love, politics, and nature. His works are known for their wit and intellectual depth.

(4.) Henry Vaughan :

Vaughan's poetry combines metaphysical themes with a strong sense of spirituality and mysticism.

(5.) Richard Crashaw :

A Catholic poet, Crashaw's works are deeply religious and filled with vivid imagery and emotional intensity.

(6.) Abraham Cowley :

Cowley's poetry covers diverse subjects, including love, politics, and nature. He is known for his wit and experimentation with various poetic forms.

(7.) Thomas Traherne :

Traherne's poems often explore the relationship between humanity and the natural world, with a focus on innocence and wonder. 

Q.3  Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry

Ans. 

Metaphysical poetry is a unique style that emerged in the 17th century. Here are some key characteristics:

1.) Complex and Intellectual Themes :-

Metaphysical poets explore profound and abstract subjects, often blending elements of philosophy, religion, and love.

2.) Conceit :- 

They employ elaborate metaphors known as conceits, drawing surprising connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or objects.

3.) Paradox and Juxtaposition :-

Metaphysical poets use paradoxes and contrasting ideas to provoke thought and create tension in their poems.

4.) Intellectual Wit :-

Wit and wordplay are prevalent, showcasing the poets' intellectual prowess.

5.) Use of Allusions :-

They reference classical and biblical sources, demonstrating their erudition.

6.) Irregular Meter :-

Metaphysical poems often feature irregular meter and rhyme schemes, deviating from conventional poetic forms.

7.) Exploration of Love :-

Love is a common theme, but it's often depicted in a realistic, non-idealized manner.

8.) Emphasis on Argument :-

Poems may resemble arguments, presenting a case or exploring an idea systematically.

9.) Carpe Diem :-

Some Metaphysical poets embrace the idea of "carpe diem," or seizing the day, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and life.

10.) Personal and Emotional Expression :-

Despite the intellectual nature of their work, Metaphysical poets often express personal emotions and experiences.

Notable Metaphysical poets include John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell, among others. Their unconventional approach to poetry had a lasting influence on later literary movements.

Q.4  Example of Metaphysical Poems

Ans.

1) The Flea by John Donne

‘The Flea’ is one of the most commonly cited examples of a metaphysical poem, it is also one of Donne’s best. The poem makes a familiar argument in a very original way.

Donne’s speaker suggests to a woman that he wants to sleep with that it’s fine for them to get together because the same flea has fed on the blood from both their bodies. They’re already experienced their fluids mixing.

2) The Collar by George Herbert

The Collar’ is one of Herbert’s best-known poems. In this poem, the poet speaks about the “collar” that a Christian priest is recognized by. (It’s interesting to note that Herbert was a priest himself.) He depicts the collar as something that restricts one’s freedom in an intolerable way.

3.) The Retreat by Henry Vaughan

In ‘The Retreat’ the poet describes the loss of innocence as one grows older. This process takes one farther away from heaven and into the corrupted state of adulthood. As an adult, one is unable to access the divine world as easily.

Q.5 Samuel Johnson - Metaphysical Poets

Ans.

Samuel Johnson, an influential 18th-century English writer and critic, is known for his critical assessment of the Metaphysical poets. In his essay "The Lives of the English Poets," he criticized their use of complex and unconventional metaphors, which he found overly intellectual and strained. Johnson preferred poets who exhibited clarity, simplicity, and a focus on everyday themes. His views on the Metaphysical poets, including John Donne and George Herbert, had a significant impact on the way their work was perceived in later literary criticism.