Overview of Poetry Course: Metaphysical to Pre-Romantic

1. 2nd semester ( 1431 – 1432 ) A general assessment of Poetry course : 2nd year ( From Metaphysical to Pre- romantic )

2. Metaphysical Poetry The basic characteristics of metaphysical poetry Andrew Marvell Marvell’s blend of the two styles : the metaphysical and the Elizabeth

3. Andrew Marvell as a metaphysical poet Bermudas The Mower to the Glow-worms The Garden

4. The Garden Marvell’s appreciation to nature is unique / original Nature is preferred to society ( human community ) Silence and quietness can be attained in the company of nature – a state which is praised by Marvell However , he uses some sensuous imagery – a basic Elizabethan quality e.g. “ delicious’

5. Neo – classical poetry The basic characteristics John Dryden Alexander Pope

6. Neo – classical poetry : The basic Characteristics Satire as a verse form Interest in issues closely connected to art and craftsmanship Presentation of highly distinguished people whether socially or intellectually e. g. poets and writers A concern with craftsmanship and decorum – elevated language and grand style – interest in the classical tradition – heroic couplet

7. 2 . Basic characteristics Poetry is a social activity i.e. the poet gives expression to such ideas which are prevalent in society rather than his own . So , form is more important than content ; the poet is preoccupied with what is general and common rather than what is individual and peculiar ; urban and cosmopolitan society prevails ; “ perfection” is a goal even on the level of writing a literary work ; “ Whatever is , is right” sums up the poets’ satisfaction with the statusquo .

8. Dryden : To the Memory of Mr. Oldham Dryden is a typically neo – classical poet whose poem “ To the Memory” reflects basic qualities . He has written the poem to lament the death of a poet who has died young . Mentioning his own gifts as a promising poet , making allusions to classical figures , Dryden restrains personal feelings and presents “his ideas” in a constrained form and structure .

9. Dryden : Mac – Flecknoe As well in his satire Dryden reveals himself as a typically neo – classical poet with such emphasis on the act of composition and an implicit concern with refinement whether on the individual level or the artistic one .

10. Alexander Pope : An Essay on Criticism – part II Pope’s Essay reflects basic neo – classical characteristics Intensive reading of the poem The main argument presented : how to judge a literary work ; the requirements of the good critic ; the faults that a critic might make Basic common features with Dryden’s two poems mentioned ( implicit concern with refinement )

11. Pre – Romantic poetry Basic qualities that distinguish it from all other trends and movements ( Thomas Gray William Cowper

12. Basic qualities : a blend of both neo – classical and Romantic poetry What is romantic in : ………………? What is neo – classical ……………?

13. Gray : Sonnet on the Death of MR. Richard West A good comparison can be held between this sonnet and Dryden’s To the Memory . Unlike Dryden’s poem , this sonnet is an emotional response to the death of the poet’s friend . The poet , giving an expression to such personal and peculiar sensations which concerns no one but himself , departs from the neo classical interest . Likely , the poet appeals essentially to the readers’ emotions . However, the poet uses elevated language and latinized diction and structure to reveal his “strong feelings of sorrow” .

14. Gray : Ode to the Prospect of Eton Collage The poet has started with a personal description as the poet revisits Eton collage recalling such days he has spent as a child , yearning for such happy time . Then , he presents meditations on human destiny – meditations that can be applied to all people – such meditations that imply a gloom and dark perspective regarding human life is not romantic

15. Cowper : The Castaway The poet is one step forward than Gray to the romantic poetry . The very fact that he has depicted an outcast i.e. an exiled / alienated figure reflects such a shift from neo – classical poetry . The poem is a revelation of a personal experience of a castaway who has been driven so far away from his own country deprived even from any hope to return either to it or to his friends and thus roaming alone in a very dangerous sea washed by the rough sea and encountering his fate courageously . Revealing such a touching story , the poet appeals essentially to the readers’ sentiments . Dr . Gehan Youssef