The Metaphysical Poetry

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The Metaphysical Poetry
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• A term used to group together certain
  17th-century poets, usually John Donne, Andrew
  Marvell, and others.

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• It is not a proper movement or school, but the
  term is applied to poets of this time that
  incorporated common characteristics of wit,
  inventiveness, and a love of elaborate stylistic
  maneuvers.

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• The term metaphysical is derived from the word
  metaphysics, which is a division of philosophy
  that studies and attempts to explain abstract
  ideas like existence, space, time, truth, etc.

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• Metaphysical poets often use elaborate, strained,
  or far-fetched metaphors or _______ to explain or
  describe emotions (abstract ideas).
• These poets attempt to explain emotional
  concepts through the intellect and rational
  discussion, not intuition.

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• During the 17th century, some critics used the
  term in a derogatory manner, but the term seemed
  to fit so it has lasted until today.

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• Dryden criticized, He affects the Metaphysicsin
  his amorous verses, where nature only should
  reign and perplexes the minds of the fair sex
  with nice speculations of philosophy, when he
  should engage their hearts.

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John Donne
Jack
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Life of John Donne

• Born 1572
• Roman Catholic
• Oxford at age 11
• Cambridge at age 14
• Refused to take the Oath of Supremacy
• Began a legal career at age 20

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• Death of his brother
• He began to question his faith.
• His first book Satires
• First book of poetry Songs and Sonnets.
• Financial security due to inheritance

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• Private secretary to Sir Thomas Egerton.
• Served in Parliament
• Secretly married Anne More, Egertons niece
• Anne Donne, John Donne, Undone

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• He was released after several weeks, fired from
  his position, and denied his wifes dowry.
• His family struggled financially for 12 years.
• In 1609, he was given his wifes dowry.
• During this time, he worked as a lawyer.

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• In 1610, he denounced his Catholic faith and won
  favor with King James I.
• Donne became an Anglican minister and was awarded
  a Doctor of Divinity degree by Cambridge.
• He continued to write poetry, as well as 160
  sermons, which he had published.
• He was considered one of the greatest preachers
  of his time due to his elaborate metaphors,
  religious symbolism, flair for drama, education,
  and quick wit.

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• After 16 years of marriage, Anne died at age 33
  after giving birth to her 12th child.
• She left behind 7 living children and a grieving
  John Donne.
• He refused to write love poetry after her death.
• 1621 he became Dean at St. Pauls Church.
• He was about to be named bishop when he died of
  mouth infection in 1631.
• He was 59.

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Donne in his funeral shroud