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Metaphysical poetry

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

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Metaphysical poetry

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  1. Metaphysical poetry Unknown artist (Ehglish School). Portrait of John Donne, 1631. National Portrait Gallery, London.

  2. Metaphysical poetry 1. Meaning of metaphysical METAPHYSICAL concerned with the fundamental problems of thenature of the universeandman’s function or place in life Only Connect ... New Directions

  3. Reflected theintellectual and spiritual crisisof the 17th century. Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics • The leading poet wasJohn Donne. • The poet wasa man of “wit”, displaying his sensitivity, his knowledge and cleverness. John Donne, after a miniature by Isaac Oliver, 1616. Only Connect ... New Directions

  4. A particular type of metaphor or simile calledconceit: Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics 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 th’other do. (John Donne, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning) The poet compares the souls of lovers to compasses. Only Connect ... New Directions

  5. 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 Only Connect ... New Directions

  6. Unusual imagestaken from all fields of knowledge: history, geography, astronomy, alchemy, mathematics, etc. Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics Look, and tomorrow late, tell me, Whether both theIndias of spice and mine Be where thou left’st them, or lie here with me. Ask forthose kingswhom thou saw’st yesterday, And thou shalt hear, All here in one bed lay. (John Donne, The Sun Rising) Only Connect ... New Directions

  7. 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 everchaste, except youravish me. (J. Donne, Batter my heart) Only Connect ... New Directions

  8. Dramatic quality Most poems beginin medias res: Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics Go, and catcha falling star, Getwith child a mandrake root, Tell me, where all past years are (John Donne, Song) Only Connect ... New Directions

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