Metaphysical poetry

 Metaphysical poetry, it's history and Samuel Johnson as a metaphysical poet 

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This lesson based on the metaphysical poetry.

It includes the points like , 

1) History of Metaphysical Poetry 

2) Who Were the Metaphysical Poets?

3) Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry

4) Examples of Metaphysical Poem

5) Samuel Johnson - Metaphysical Poets

What is Metaphysical poetry ?

Metaphysical poetry is a poetic movement that emerged in the 17th century, primarily in England, and is characterized by a complex and intellectual style that explores profound and abstract ideas, often delving into themes related to spirituality, love, human nature, and the relationship between the physical and metaphysical realms.

Key features of metaphysical poetry include:

 

1. Conceit: Metaphysical poets often used elaborate conceits, which are extended metaphors or analogies that draw unexpected comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects or ideas. These conceits were used to explore complex concepts.

2. Intellectual Exploration: Metaphysical poets were known for their intellectual approach to poetry. They engaged in philosophical and theological discussions within their poems, grappling with questions about existence, faith, and the nature of reality.

3. Paradox: The use of paradox and contradictory ideas was common in metaphysical poetry. Poets would employ paradoxical statements to provoke thought and explore the tensions between opposing ideas.

4. Wit and Wordplay: Metaphysical poetry often featured clever wordplay, puns, and intricate rhyme schemes. The poets used language skillfully to create a sense of surprise and intellectual stimulation.

5. Exploration of Love: Love was a central theme in metaphysical poetry, but it was often portrayed in a more intellectual and analytical manner, with a focus on the complexities and contradictions of human emotions.

Prominent metaphysical poets include John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, and Henry Vaughan. John Donne, in particular, is often considered one of the most significant figures in the metaphysical poetry movement, known for his intricate and intellectually challenging poems that explore the intersections of love, spirituality, and human experience.

Metaphysical poetry had a lasting influence on English literature and contributed to the development of modern poetry. Its unique blend of intellectual depth, poetic skill, and exploration of profound themes continues to be appreciated by readers and scholars today.

1) History of Metaphysical Poetry 

The history of metaphysical poetry is rooted in the 17th century in England. This literary movement emerged during a time of significant social, political, and religious upheaval in England, and it was characterized by a unique blend of intellectual exploration, complex metaphors, and the pursuit of profound and abstract themes.

Here is a brief overview of the history of metaphysical poetry:

1. Early Influences: The roots of metaphysical poetry can be traced to the works of Italian and French poets like Petrarch and Ronsard, who used elaborate conceits (extended metaphors) and explored complex emotions. However, it was in England that this style truly flourished.

2. John Donne: John Donne is often considered the founder of metaphysical poetry. His early works, written in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, exhibit the hallmarks of metaphysical poetry, including intellectualism, conceits, paradoxes, and intricate wordplay. His poems, such as "The Flea" and "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," are prime examples of this style.

3. George Herbert: George Herbert, a contemporary of John Donne, is another key figure in metaphysical poetry. His poetry, collected in "The Temple," is deeply religious and explores themes of faith, devotion, and the relationship between God and humanity.

4. Expansion of the Movement: Metaphysical poetry gained popularity during the early 17th century, and other poets began to adopt its style and themes. Andrew Marvell, Henry Vaughan, and Richard Crashaw are among the poets who contributed to the movement.

5. Later Influence: While metaphysical poetry fell out of favour in the latter part of the 17th century, its influence endured. Poets in subsequent centuries, including the metaphysical revival in the 20th century, drew inspiration from the style and themes of the original metaphysical poets.

6. Critical Recognition: In the 20th century, literary scholars and critics rediscovered the metaphysical poets and recognized their significance in the history of English literature. This led to renewed interest in their works and the publication of critical studies.

7. Enduring Legacy: The metaphysical poets continue to be studied and appreciated for their intellectual depth, linguistic innovation, and exploration of profound themes. Their influence can be seen in the works of modern poets and writers.

Overall, metaphysical poetry represents a distinctive period in the history of English literature, characterized by its intellectualism and its willingness to engage with complex philosophical, religious, and metaphysical ideas through poetic expression. While the movement had its heyday in the 17th century, its legacy continues to shape and inspire poets and scholars to this day.

2) Who Were the Metaphysical Poets?

The metaphysical poets were a group of 17th-century English poets who shared certain stylistic and thematic characteristics in their poetry. While there is no official list of who constitutes the metaphysical poets, several poets are commonly associated with this literary movement. Some of the most prominent metaphysical poets include:

1. John Donne (1572-1631): Often considered the preeminent metaphysical poet, Donne's poetry explores themes of love, spirituality, and human emotions through complex conceits, wit, and intellectual depth.

2. George Herbert (1593-1633): Herbert's poetry is characterized by its religious themes, devotion, and the exploration of the relationship between God and humanity. His work often includes intricate metaphors and wordplay.

3. Andrew Marvell (1621-1678): Marvell's poetry combines metaphysical elements with political and social commentary. He is known for poems like "To His Coy Mistress," which addresses themes of time and love.

4. Henry Vaughan (1622-1695): Vaughan's poetry often delves into the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds, reflecting his own religious experiences and beliefs.

5. Richard Crashaw (1613-1649): Crashaw is known for his religious poetry, particularly his devotion to the Roman Catholic faith. His poems are characterized by rich imagery and emotional intensity.

6. Abraham Cowley (1618-1667): Cowley's work combines metaphysical elements with themes of love, friendship, and politics. He was also known for his prose essays.

7. Thomas Traherne (c. 1636-1674): Traherne's poetry explores the wonder and innocence of childhood, as well as themes of divine presence and spiritual awakening.

These poets shared a penchant for using elaborate conceits (extended metaphors), wit, paradoxes, and intellectual exploration in their poetry. They often grappled with complex philosophical and religious ideas and used intricate language and wordplay to convey their thoughts and emotions. The term "metaphysical" was later applied to them by literary critics, emphasizing the intellectual and philosophical nature of their work.

While these poets were active during the 17th century, their influence on English poetry endured, and their works continue to be studied and appreciated for their unique and enduring contributions to the literary canon.

3) Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry

Metaphysical poetry, which emerged in the 17th century in England, is characterized by several distinct features that set it apart from other poetic movements. These characteristics include:

1. Intellectualism: Metaphysical poetry is known for its intellectual depth and complexity. The poets often engaged with philosophical, theological, and metaphysical ideas in their work. Their poems are filled with abstract concepts and intellectual exploration.

2. Conceits: Conceit is a prominent feature of metaphysical poetry. Conceit refers to an extended metaphor or analogy that draws unexpected and often elaborate comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects or ideas. These conceits were used to explore complex concepts and create striking imagery.

3. Paradox: Metaphysical poets frequently employed paradoxical statements and ideas in their poetry. They used contradictory elements to provoke thought and explore the tensions between opposing concepts, such as the contrast between physical and spiritual, worldly and divine.

4. Complex Imagery: Metaphysical poetry is known for its intricate and elaborate imagery. The poets used vivid and often unconventional metaphors and similes to convey their ideas. This complexity of imagery contributed to the intellectual nature of their work.

5. Wit and Wordplay: These poets were skilled in the use of wit, puns, and wordplay. They often played with language to create a sense of surprise and intellectual stimulation. This wordplay added depth and layers of meaning to their poems.

6. Exploration of Love: Love, both human and divine, was a central theme in metaphysical poetry. However, it was often portrayed in a more intellectual and analytical manner than in other poetic movements. The poets explored the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

7. Religious and Spiritual Themes: Many metaphysical poets had a strong religious or spiritual focus in their work. They explored themes related to faith, salvation, and the relationship between humanity and the divine.

8. Colloquial Language: While their poetry could be highly intellectual, metaphysical poets often used colloquial language and conversational tones in their poems. This combination of complex ideas with everyday language added a distinctive quality to their work.

9. Varied Metre: Metaphysical poetry does not adhere to a single strict metre or rhyme scheme. Poets in this tradition experimented with various metrical patterns, adapting their form to suit the content and ideas they wished to convey.

Prominent metaphysical poets include John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, and Henry Vaughan. These poets collectively contributed to a unique and influential literary movement that left a lasting impact on English poetry, and their works continue to be studied and appreciated for their intellectual depth and creative innovation.

4) Examples of Metaphysical Poem

Here are a few examples of metaphysical poems by some of the prominent poets associated with the metaphysical poetry movement:

1. John Donne: - A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning - In this poem, Donne uses the metaphor of a compass to describe the unbreakable connection between two lovers even when they are physically apart.

2. George Herbert: - The Collar - This poem explores Herbert's inner conflict between worldly desires and his spiritual calling. It reflects on the idea of being yoked to God.

3. Andrew Marvell : - To His Coy Mistress - While this poem is known for its metaphysical exploration of time, it also contains elements of wit and seduction as the speaker tries to convince his lover to seize the moment.

4. Henry Vaughan :- The World - Vaughan's poem contemplates the contrast between the fleeting pleasures of the world and the enduring spiritual realm.

5. Richard Crashaw :- The Flaming Heart - This religious poem uses vivid and passionate imagery to describe the fervent love and devotion of the soul toward God.

These poems exhibit some of the defining characteristics of metaphysical poetry, such as complex metaphors, intellectual exploration, paradoxes, wit, and the exploration of profound themes related to love, spirituality, and the human condition.

5) Samuel Johnson - Metaphysical Poet

Samuel Johnson is not typically considered a metaphysical poet. Instead, he is primarily known for his contributions to the 18th-century literary scene in England as a critic, essayist, lexicographer, and author of prose works, rather than as a poet. The metaphysical poetry movement, which was prevalent in the 17th century, had largely passed by the time Johnson's literary career began. However, it's essential to understand Johnson's role and his relationship with poetry in a broader context.

1. Biographical Background : Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) is renowned for his comprehensive work on the English language, the "A Dictionary of the English Language," published in 1755. His literary career included essays, biographies, and critical writings.

2. Critical Writings : Johnson's most significant contributions to literature are his critical essays and biographical writings, particularly his series of essays called "The Rambler" and "The Idler." In these essays, Johnson provided insightful literary criticism and discussed various aspects of literature, including poetry.

3. Views on Poetry : Johnson's views on poetry were shaped by the neoclassical literary tradition of the 18th century, which emphasized clarity, order, and a return to classical models. He was critical of certain poetic practices, such as overly elaborate metaphors and unconventional structures, which were common in metaphysical poetry.

4. Contemporary Influence : Johnson's criticism and literary values were instrumental in shaping the literary taste of his time, moving it away from the metaphysical and toward the neoclassical style. He promoted a clear, balanced, and rational approach to literature and language.

5. Johnson as a Poet : While Samuel Johnson is primarily known for his prose works, he did write poetry. His most famous poem is "The Vanity of Human Wishes" (1749), a satirical and philosophical work that reflects on the fleeting nature of human desires and ambitions. While the poem has intellectual depth, it doesn't align with the metaphysical style.

In summary, Samuel Johnson's contribution to English literature primarily lies in his critical and prose writings, and his literary values were more aligned with the neoclassical tradition than with the metaphysical. While he engaged with poetry and certainly appreciated its value, his own work and critical perspectives differ significantly from the characteristics and themes typically associated with metaphysical poetry.