Metaphysical poetry has played a fundamental role in contrasting written works of art which attempt to explain but more importantly capture the human experience and intangible concept for example the universal theme of : love metaphysical Poetry distinguishes itself from other forms of written word through the conceit which is an extended methapheor that attempts to capture the essence of the poem in question.
What is a Metaphysical Poem?
Metaphysical poetry is concerned with the whole experience of man but the intelligence learning and seriousness of the poets means that the Poetry is about the profound areas of experience especially about love romantic and sensual about God - the eternal perspective and to a less extent about pleasure learning and art.
John Donne :
John Donne was born in London in 1571 or 1572 into a recusant romant Roman Catholic family when practice of that religion was illegal in England Donne was the third of six children . His father also named John Donne married to Elizabeth Heywood was of Welsh descent and a warden of the ironmongers company in the city of London . However he avoided unwelcome government attention out of fear of persecution .
He was an English poet , scolar soldier and secretary born recusant family who late became a cleric in the Church of England . He is considered the preeminent representative of metaphysical poets his Poetical Works are noted for their metaphorical and sensual style and include Sonnets love poems religious poems latin translation epigrams elegies songs and Satire . He is also known for his sermons.
Metaphysical Poetry :
Michael Donkor explain what makes John Donne a Metaphysical poet and looks at the creative and distinctive ways in which Donne used Metaphysical techniques.
When we begin exploring John Donnes verse the description of him as a metaphysical poet is inescapable and so it's worth considering in detail importantly Donne and the other 16 th and 17th century poet's gathered under the Metaphysical banner Carew Vaughan and Marvell to name some of the most renowned didn't form a cohesive movement in their stylistic similarities in particular a kind of showy or iginality and linguistic immediacy have meant that they have been clustered together for centuries some critics such as the 18th century essayist Samuel Johnson have criticised metaphysical poets for what they saw as their self conscious cleverness others such as the post T. S Eliot have celebrated their inventiveness .
Characteristics :
1) Dramatic manner And Direct tone of speech is one of the main characteristics of Metaphysical poetry in the starting line of the poem . The cononization there is given a dramatic starting
" For Gods sake hold your tongue and let me love "
2) Concentration :
Is an important quality of Metaphysical poetry in general and Donne's poetry is particular . In his all poems the reader is held to one idea or line of argument . Donne's poems are brief and closely woven.
" As twixt two equal armies fate suspends uncertain victories,
Our soul hung twixt her and me."
3) Usage of Satire and irony
Another characteristics of Metaphysical poetry. Donne also uses this in his poems for example in the cononization there is subtle irony as he speaks of the favoured pursuits of people the Lust for wealth and favours.
" Take you a course get you a place observe his honour or his Grace."
