Paper 101 : Assingment

 This blog is part of assignment of Paper 101:Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods. 

■ Table of Contens:

● Introduction 

● What is Metaphysical Poetry?

● Features of Metaphysical poetry 

● Major Metaphysical Poets

● Conclusion 

■ Personal Information:

● Name : Nishtha Desai 

● Batch: M.A Sem 1 ( 2024-26)

● Enrollment number:5108240024

● E- mail Address:

nishthadesai355@gmail.com 

Roll number: 23

■ Assignment Details:

Topic: Definition of Metaphysical poetry, Features of Metaphysical poetry, Major Metaphysical Poets. 

Paper& Subject code: Paper 101: Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods. 

Submitted to: SMT. Department of English, Bhavnagar 

Date of Submission: 20 November, 2024

● Introduction:

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.Literary critic and poet Samuel Johnson first coined the term 'metaphysical poetry' in his book Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1179-1781). In the book, Johnson wrote about a group of 17th-century British poets that included John Donne, George Herbert, Richard Crashaw, Andrew Marvell and Henry Vaughan. He noted how the poets shared many common characteristics, especially ones of wit and elaborate style.

■ What Does Metaphysical Mean?

● The word 'meta' means 'after,' so the literal translation of 'metaphysical' is 'after the physical.' Basically, metaphysics deals with questions that can't be explained by science. It questions the nature of reality in a philosophical way.

• Here are some common metaphysical questions:

• Does God exist?

• Is there a difference between the way things appear to us and the way they really are? Essentially, what is the difference between reality and perception?

● Metaphysical poetry, a distinctive literary movement of the 17th century, is characterized by a set of unique features that distinguish it from other forms of verse. 

• Is everything that happens already predetermined? If so, then is free choice non-existent?

• Is consciousness limited to the brain?

■ Features of Metaphysical poetry:

Metaphysics can cover a broad range of topics from religious to consciousness; however, all the questions about metaphysics ponder the nature of reality. And of course, there is no one correct answer to any of these questions. Metaphysics is about exploration and philosophy, not about science and math.

Metaphysical poetry investigates the relation between rational, logical argument on the one hand and intuition or “mysticism” on the other, often depicted with sensuous detail Metaphysical poetry is considered highly ambiguous due to high intellect and knowledge of metaphysical poets.

●  Metaphysical Conceits

● Intellectual Exploration 

● Paradox and Argumentation 

● Spiritual Exploration 

● Complexity of Emotion

● Metaphysical Conceits:

One of the chief characteristics of Metaphysical poetry is the use of elaborate and unconventional metaphors, known as metaphysical conceits. These extended comparisons draw unexpected parallels between seemingly disparate concepts, challenging readers to think beyond the obvious.

Example:

In Donne’s “The Flea,” the conceit involves comparing the act of physical intimacy to the mingling of blood within a flea. This clever metaphor serves as a vehicle for discussing the intimacy between lovers.

● Intellectual Exploration:

Metaphysical poets exhibit a deep intellectual engagement in their works. Their poetry often reflects a curiosity about philosophical, scientific, and theological concepts, demonstrating a willingness to explore complex ideas and challenge conventional wisdom.

Example:

The poem “The Sun Rising” by John Donne not only explores the theme of love but also engages in a metaphysical contemplation of the relationship between lovers and the cosmos. The intellectual depth goes beyond mere expressions of emotion.

● Paradox and Argumentation:

Metaphysical poets frequently employ paradoxes and intricate argumentation in their poetry. They present seemingly contradictory ideas to provoke thought and create a sense of tension within the poem.

Example:

In Donne’s “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” the paradoxical idea that physical separation can strengthen spiritual bonds is presented through the metaphor of a compass. The argumentation unfolds as Donne persuasively connects the two seemingly opposing concepts.

● Spiritual Exploration:

A strong inclination toward exploring spiritual and metaphysical themes is another hallmark of Metaphysical poetry. The poets often grapple with questions of faith, divine love, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms.

Example:

George Herbert’s poem “The Collar” delves into the internal spiritual struggle of the speaker, questioning the constraints of religious duty and expressing a desire for freedom. The exploration of the spiritual journey is a recurring theme in Metaphysical poetry.

● Complexity of Emotion:

Metaphysical poets display a nuanced approach to emotions, blending the intellectual and the emotional. Their works often convey a complexity of feelings, going beyond simple expressions of love or sorrow.

Example:

In Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress,” the poet addresses the theme of carpe diem (seize the day) by weaving together elements of passion, time, and mortality. The emotional depth is heightened by the intellectual framework within which the sentiments are expressed.

● Conclusion:

In summary, the chief characteristics of Metaphysical poetry encompass the use of metaphysical conceits, intellectual exploration, paradox and argumentation, spiritual themes, and a complexity of emotion. These features collectively contribute to the distinctive and thought-provoking nature of this literary movement.

■ Major Metaphysical Poets:

● John Donne (1572–1631)

• George Herbert (1593–1633)

• Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)

• Abraham Cowley (1618–1667)

• Saint Robert Southwell (c. 1561–1595)

• Richard Crashaw (c. 1613–1649)

• Thomas Traherne (1636 or 1637 – 1674)

• Henry Vaughan (1622–1695)

■ Minor Metaphysical Poets:

The following poets have also been sometimes considered metaphysical poets:

• Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612–1672)

• Thomas Carew (1595–1640)

• George Chapman (c. 1559–1634)

• John Hall (c. 1627–1656)

• Edward Herbert (1583–1648)

• Richard Leigh (1649-1728)

• Katherine Philips (1632–1664),

• Sir John Suckling (1609–1642)

• Edward Taylor (c. 1642–1729)

■ My Reference Sources are:

https://uou.ac.in/lecturenotes/humanities/MAEL-17/METAPHYSICAL_POETRY_UOU%20PDF.pdf

http://agdc.ac.in/englishdep/pdf/metaphysical_poetry.pdf#:~:text=Major%20poets%20*%20%E2%80%A2%20John%20Donne%20(1572%E2%80%921631),%E2%80%92%201674)%20*%20%E2%80%A2%20Henry%20Vaughan%20(1622%E2%80%921695)

https://medium.com/@menonimus360/chief-characteristics-of-metaphysical-poetry-94c7b1043cd8