Metaphysical Poetry An Introduction The term metaphysical refers

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+ Metaphysical Poetry An Introduction

+ Metaphysical Poetry An Introduction

+ The term "metaphysical" refers to philosophical speculations beyond the sensory: notions such as

+ The term "metaphysical" refers to philosophical speculations beyond the sensory: notions such as time, God, human nature, faith, death, love, eternity physical Meta (above or beyond) Existing in the material world

+ Metaphysical Poetry The metaphysical poets is a term coined by the poet and

+ Metaphysical Poetry The metaphysical poets is a term coined by the poet and critic Samuel Johnson to describe a loose group of English lyric poets of the 17 th century whose work was characterized by the inventive use of elaborate comparisons and by speculation about topics such as love or religion. These poets were not formally affiliated; most of them did not even know one another or read one another’s work.

+ Major Metaphysical Poets n John Donne (1572– 1631) n George Herbert (1593– 1633)

+ Major Metaphysical Poets n John Donne (1572– 1631) n George Herbert (1593– 1633) n Andrew Marvell (1621– 1678) n Saint Robert Southwell (c. 1561– 1595) n Henry Vaughan (1622– 1695) n Anne Bradstreet (American) 1612 -1672 n Edward Taylor (American) 1642 -1729

+ What They Do Metaphysical poets attempt to explain the emotional and spiritual elements

+ What They Do Metaphysical poets attempt to explain the emotional and spiritual elements of life in concrete, rational and logical terms. They attempt to define our sentiments by logical syllogisms or in scientific terms.

+ Argument/Dialectic Many of the poems are built up on a logical structure (this

+ Argument/Dialectic Many of the poems are built up on a logical structure (this is sometimes called dialectic - a use of argument whereby a statement is given, then challenged to provide a new conclusion). They challenge our intellect , and this is a key aspect of the pleasure of reading metaphysical poetry. statement challenge new conclusion

+ Use of Paradox A paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory

+ Use of Paradox A paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory but actually reveals a new and important truth. The Christian idea that we can only gain our life by losing it is an excellent example of a paradox.

+ Verbal Skill and Wit The Metaphysicals loved puns and clever plays on words

+ Verbal Skill and Wit The Metaphysicals loved puns and clever plays on words

+ Hyperbole – over exaggeration

+ Hyperbole – over exaggeration

+ The metaphysical conceit (aka the “controlling metaphor” Like similes and metaphors, a conceit

+ The metaphysical conceit (aka the “controlling metaphor” Like similes and metaphors, a conceit establishes a relationship between two things for the sake of comparison, but for a conceit the comparison has to be strange or outrageous. A conceit is also often elaborate and extended as the points of comparison and contrast are worked out by the poet. Life Prison

+ No Man Island No man island, entire of itself; every man is a

+ No Man Island No man island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne

+ Make a Conceit Life is a highway…. I am going 100 miles an

+ Make a Conceit Life is a highway…. I am going 100 miles an hour. Now add to it………

+ Memento Mori latin for “remember that you must die” or “in mind of

+ Memento Mori latin for “remember that you must die” or “in mind of death” An obsessive awareness of death and human mortality, often presented in the visual art of the day in the form of a "memento mori" or a skull painted at the side of paintings to remind viewers of the brevity and vanity of human life.

+ Carpe Diem Closely related to the memento mori is theme of carpe diem,

+ Carpe Diem Closely related to the memento mori is theme of carpe diem, “seize the day. ”

+ Imagery and Comparisons Tne Metaphysicals drew their imagery and comparisons from a variety

+ Imagery and Comparisons Tne Metaphysicals drew their imagery and comparisons from a variety of sources, including n Gardens n Kingship and rule n War n Science n Alchemy n Exploration

+ Poetry on the Literature Test Romantic Poetry Modern Poetry Metaphysical Poetry AP Literature

+ Poetry on the Literature Test Romantic Poetry Modern Poetry Metaphysical Poetry AP Literature Test

Metaphysical Pastoral Poetry The Metaphysicals What is metaphysicalMetaphysical Pastoral Poetry The Metaphysicals What is metaphysical
Metaphysical Poetry The Flea By John Donne MetaphysicalMetaphysical Poetry The Flea By John Donne Metaphysical
th 17 Century Poetry Metaphysical Poetry a termth 17 Century Poetry Metaphysical Poetry a term
th 17 Century Poetry Metaphysical Poetry a termth 17 Century Poetry Metaphysical Poetry a term
Poetry Types of Poetry Narrative Poetry Narrative poetryPoetry Types of Poetry Narrative Poetry Narrative poetry
Poetry Types of Poetry n Lyric poetry PoetryPoetry Types of Poetry n Lyric poetry Poetry
Poetry Reading Poetry Reading Poetry Reading Poetry ReadPoetry Reading Poetry Reading Poetry Reading Poetry Read
Donnes Poetry ENGL 203 Dr Fike Metaphysical PoetryDonnes Poetry ENGL 203 Dr Fike Metaphysical Poetry
Late Elizabethan Poetry Metaphysical Poetry John Donne JohnLate Elizabethan Poetry Metaphysical Poetry John Donne John
John Donne Metaphysical poetry Poetry characterized by intellectualJohn Donne Metaphysical poetry Poetry characterized by intellectual
Renaissance Poetry John Donne 1572 1631 Metaphysical PoetryRenaissance Poetry John Donne 1572 1631 Metaphysical Poetry
Metaphysical Art de Chirico Timeline PostImpressionism Metaphysical ArtMetaphysical Art de Chirico Timeline PostImpressionism Metaphysical Art
The Metaphysical Period 17 th century Metaphysical concernsThe Metaphysical Period 17 th century Metaphysical concerns
The Metaphysical Period 17 th century Metaphysical concernsThe Metaphysical Period 17 th century Metaphysical concerns
Metaphysical Jamboree METAPHYSICAL JAMBOREE POEM 1 TODAYS READINGMetaphysical Jamboree METAPHYSICAL JAMBOREE POEM 1 TODAYS READING
Chapter 9 Dualism Metaphysical Dualism A metaphysical dualistChapter 9 Dualism Metaphysical Dualism A metaphysical dualist