13. METAPHYSICAL POETRY

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Metaphysical poetry
Unknown artist (Ehglish School). Portrait of
John Donne, 1631. National Portrait Gallery,
London.
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Metaphysical poetry
1. Meaning of metaphysical
METAPHYSICAL
concerned with the fundamental problems of the
nature of the universe and mans function or
place in life
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics

• Reflected the intellectual and spiritual crisis
  of the 17th century.

• The leading poet was John Donne.

• The poet was a man of wit, displaying his
  sensitivity, his knowledge and cleverness.

John Donne, after a miniature by Isaac Oliver,
1616.
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics

• A particular type of metaphor or simile called
  conceit

If they be two, they are two so As stiff twin
compasses are two, Thy soul the fixed foot, makes
no show To move, but doth, if thother do. (John
Donne, A Valediction Forbidding Mourning)
The poet compares the souls of lovers to
compasses.
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
The conceit
Insists on the relationship between A (the tenor)
and B (the vehicle)
Illustrates and develops ideas in a detailed and
over-complex way, often with an effect of shock
or surprise
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics

• Unusual images taken from all fields of
  knowledge history, geography, astronomy,
  alchemy, mathematics, etc.

Look, and tomorrow late, tell me, Whether
both the Indias of spice and mine Be where thou
leftst them, or lie here with me. Ask for those
kings whom thou sawst yesterday, And thou shalt
hear, All here in one bed lay. (John Donne,
The Sun Rising)
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics
Paradox

• A statement which is apparently contradictory
  though in some sense true

Take me to you, imprison me, for I Except you
enthral me, never shall be free, Nor ever
chaste, except you ravish me.   (J. Donne,
Batter my heart)
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Metaphysical poetry
2. Main characteristics

• Dramatic quality
• Most poems begin in medias res

Go, and catch a falling star, Get with child a
mandrake root, Tell me, where all past years are
(John Donne, Song)