Assignment : 101 : Exploration of Metaphysical poetry

Exploration of  Metaphysical poetry  And Its Writers 

Personal Information

Name :  Makwana Bhargav Arvindbhai

Roll No : 01

Batch: M.A Sem 1 (2024-2026) 

Enrollment Number : 5108240018

Email : bhargavmakvana221@gmail.com

Assignment Details 

Topic : Exploration of Metaphysical Poetry    

Paper & subject Coad  : 101 Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods : 22392  

Date of  Submission :  20 November 2024

Table of contents 

Introduction

• Meaning

• History of Metaphysical poetry

• Characteristics

• Common theme in Metaphysical poetry

John Donne

• Death be not proud

• The Ecstasy

• The sun rising

• The flea

George Harbert 

• The collar

Andrew Marvel 

• To his coy Mistress

• Common theme or subject in metaphysical writers

• Conclusion

Introduction 

Metaphysical poetry is a unique style of poetry that became popular in the early 17th century. It is known for its intellectual approach and use of unusual comparisons, called conceits, to explore deep themes like love, faith, and human existence. Poets like John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell are some of the most famous writers of this type of poetry. Their work is different from earlier poetry because it combines logical arguments with strong emotions, making it both thought-provoking and creative. Metaphysical poetry stands out because of its focus on complex ideas and clever use of language.

Meaning

The word 'meta' means 'after,' so the literal translation of 'metaphysical' is 'after the physical ’

Metaphysical poetry is highly intellectualized poetry marked by bold and ingenious conceits, incongruous imagery, complexity and subtlety of thought, frequent use of paradox, and often by deliberate harshness or rigidity of expression.

History of Metaphysical poetry

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. 

T.S. Eliot is one of the many twentieth-century literary critics who helped to establish the well-deserved reputation that writers such as John Donne and Andrew Marvell now hold. He applied many of their techniques to his own writing.

Characteristics of metaphysical poetry

Metaphysical poetry is known for its unique style, which often breaks away from the more structured and formal poetry of its time. Here are some of the most defining and common characteristics:

Spoken Quality: These poems have a conversational tone, making them feel more personal and direct. This was quite different from the highly formal poetry that many poets of the time favored.

Colloquial Diction: The use of everyday language helps convey complex ideas in a relatable way.

Philosophical Exploration: Poets often tackle big questions, such as:

• Does God exist?

• What is the nature of reality?

• Do humans have free will?

Metaphysical Conceits: These are elaborate, often surprising comparisons between very different things, like love and religion or physical and spiritual experiences.

Use of Paradoxes and Contradictions: Metaphysical poetry frequently presents ideas that challenge the reader’s understanding, creating tension between seemingly opposite concepts.

Irony and Puns: The poets often used wit to engage the reader, playing with words and ideas to reveal deeper meanings.

Strange Metaphors and Hyperbole: Unusual and exaggerated imagery is common, often pushing boundaries to make readers think beyond the obvious.

Relaxed Meter: The poems generally don’t follow a strict rhythm, giving them a more natural, conversational flow.

Common Themes in Metaphysical Poetry  

Love and Spirituality: Many poems explore the connection between human love and divine experience.

Fate and Free Will: Questions about the control (or lack thereof) humans have over their destiny are central.

Mourning and Sin: The poets frequently reflect on life’s challenges and the spiritual consequences of human actions.

Metaphysical poetry combines intellectual wit with emotional depth, using logical arguments and complicated thought to explore life’s biggest mysteries in a way that is both challenging and deeply engaging.

Prominent Metaphysical Writers

[1] John Donne   ( 1571 or 1572 – 31 March 1631) :

John Donne is considered the master of metaphysical poetry. Donne was the founder of metaphysical school of poetry. He is the greatest poet of this school. His works include Sares, Songs And Sonnets and Elegies. His poetry falls into three divisions - amorous poems, religious poems andsarical poems. Donne’s images wring, use of conceit, abrupt beginning with dramac style, and colloquial made his poems highlighted.

1. Death Be Not Proud (1633) 

This poem by John Donne challenges the fear of death. Donne talks directly to Death, saying it is not as powerful as people think. Instead of being scary, death is just a short rest before eternal life.

The poem is deal with the theme about conquering the fear of death through faith. It shows that death is not the end but a pathway to a better, eternal life.

"One short sleep past, we wake eternally, / And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die."

This line shows Donne’s belief that death is weak and temporary, defeated by eternal life.

2. The Ecstasy (1633) 

In this poem, Donne writes about the deep connection between lovers. He describes love as something that involves both the soul and the body. While the spiritual bond is strong, the physical body is also important in expressing love.

The main idea is that true love needs both the soul and the body. Donne argues that love is incomplete if it ignores the physical aspect.

Famous Line:

"Love's mysteries in souls do grow, / But yet the body is his book."

This line shows that the body plays a role in understanding and showing love.

3. The Sun Rising (1633) 

In this poem, Donne talks to the sun, complaining that it has interrupted his time with his lover. He playfully tells the sun that his love is more important than anything else in the world.

The poem celebrates the power of love, saying it is greater than time, space, or worldly concerns.

"She's all states, and all princes, I, / Nothing else is."

Here, Donne says his lover means everything to him, and nothing else matters.

4. The Flea (1633) 

This is one of Donne’s cleverest poems. He uses a flea as a symbol to convince a woman to be with him. Since their blood is already mixed in the flea, he argues that being physically close is no big deal.

The poem is about seizing the moment (carpe diem) and cleverly persuading someone to give in to love.

"This flea is you and I, and this / Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is."

Here, the flea becomes a metaphor for their unity, making his argument playful yet convincing.

[2] George Herbert (1593-1633) :

Herbert is mainly a religious poet. Of all the metaphysical poets Herbert is the most widely read. 'The Temple' reveals his religious zeal. His treatment of religious themes has the simple, unstudied earnestness of Longfellow. The spirit of the age and humor are the important features of his poetry. He was a lover of humanity also. 

The Collar (1633) 

The Collar by George Herbert is a poem about a person’s internal struggle with faith and duty.

"I struck the board, and cried, No more; / I will abroad!”

The speaker, likely a priest or someone devoted to God, feels frustrated and trapped by the restrictions of religious life, symbolized by the "collar." They complain about the sacrifices they have made and consider abandoning their devotion to pursue worldly pleasures and freedom.

However, as the speaker rants and rebels, they hear a gentle, divine voice calling them “Child.” This moment softens their anger, and they respond with humility, "My Lord," showing their ultimate return to faith and submission to God’s will.

The poem reflects the emotional ups and downs of a believer, capturing the tension between doubt and faith and ending with a sense of peace and reconciliation.

[3] Andrew Marvell  (31 March 1621 – 16 August 1678) :

Andrew Marvell is the last great name in Metaphysical poetry. He is mainly a philosophical poet, but his poetry is much admired for its lyrical fervour and technical grace. His notable poems are Garden, Upon the Hill, The Gallery, and To His Coy Mistress. They deal with the theme of nature, love and patriotism.The metaphysical poets enriched English literature with best religious poetry. 

To his coy Mistress 

Published : 1681

"Had we but world enough, and time, / This coyness, Lady, were no crime.”

Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress is a poem where the speaker tries to convince his hesitant lover to embrace love and passion without delay. He begins by saying that if they had unlimited time, her shyness wouldn’t matter, and he would spend ages admiring her beauty. However, since time is limited, he urges her to seize the moment before life and youth slip away. The poem’s tone shifts from idealistic to urgent, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the need to act in the present.

Some Another writers  :-

[4] Henry Vaughan (1621–1695)

[5] Richard Crashaw (1613–1649)

[6] Abraham Cowley (1618–1667)

 Conclusion  

Metaphysical poetry is a style of poetry that emerged in the 17th century, characterized by its use of intellectual ideas, complex metaphors, and exploration of deep themes like love, death, and religion. The term "metaphysical" was coined by Samuel Johnson to describe the work of poets like John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, and Henry Vaughan. These poets often combined emotional intensity with philosophical depth in their writing.

One of the main features of metaphysical poetry is the use of conceits, which are unusual or extended metaphors that compare two very different things. For example, in Donne's The Flea, the speaker compares the physical connection between him and his lover to a flea. This use of conceits makes the poems intellectually challenging but also unique and creative.

Metaphysical poets often explore themes like love, faith, death, and the passage of time. They look at love not just as an emotion, but as something that involves both the body and the soul. They also reflect on how short life is and the importance of using time wisely. In some poems, like Donne’s Death Be Not Proud, the poets question traditional views of death, showing it as something that can be overcome through faith.

Overall, metaphysical poetry stands out for its witty language, intellectual exploration, and emotional depth. It encourages readers to think deeply about life's big questions while also using clever, often surprising comparisons. Despite being written centuries ago, these poems continue to be studied for their rich meaning and complex beauty.

References

Greenblatt, Stephen, ed. The Norton Anthology of English Literature: Package 1 (Volume A, B, C). Vol. 1. WW Norton & Company, 2018. 

Robbins, Robin. The Complete Poems of John Donne. Routledge, 2014. 

Herbert, George. The works. Vol. 1. Pickering, 1848. Marvell, Andrew, and Nigel Smith. The Poems of Andrew Marvell. Routledge, 2013. 

Smith, W. Bradford. “What Is Metaphysical Poetry?” The Sewanee Review, vol. 42, no. 3, 1934, pp. 261–72. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27535002. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024