Concetti Chiave
- The term "Metaphysical poetry" originated from the criticism of 17th-century poets like John Donne, who led this intellectual and spiritual movement.
- Metaphysical poets addressed the transition from the Renaissance to the modern age, showcasing wit through unique metaphors and clever arrangements.
- The poetry combines metaphysical elements with "conceits," which are imaginative and surprising comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects.
- Paradox and epigrammatic conciseness are key features, contributing to the dramatic and engaging nature of Metaphysical poetry.
- The language used is rich and varied, incorporating both Latinisms and words of Anglo Saxon origin, with a structured form often using stanzas and capitalized lines.
Origins of metaphysical poetry
The phrase “Metaphysical poetry” derives from the scornful remarks of some Restoration and 18th century critics. The Metaphysical poets, who wrote during the first three quarters of the 17th century were led by John Donne.
They reflected the intellectual and spiritual crisis of their age, the difficult transition from the Renaissance to the modern age. The poet was expected to be a man of wit, displaying not only his sensitivity but also his knowledge and cleverness.
Wit was the ability to make up unusual metaphors and images and arrange them in an unexpected way so as to surprise the reader.
The unusual feature of Metaphysical poetry is the repeated combination of these “metaphysical elements” with that particular type of metaphor called “conceit”.
“Paradox” and “epigrammatic conciseness” are a strength of Metaphysical poetry just as much as the element of drama. 
Donne uses the words and the rhythms which common people were using.
Language and structure
The language of Metaphysical poets was rich and varied. Latinisms and words of Anglo Saxon origin were both used.
The shape of the poem: poems may consist of verses, that is, divisions in the poem marked by a line-space; some poems are divided into stanzas, that is, verses repeating the same pattern, and each line begins with a capital letter.
The conceit: it is a comparison between two objects which at first glance seem to have nothing in common.
The paradox: a paradox is a statement which is apparently contradictory though in some sense true.
Domande da interrogazione
- What characterizes the style and language of Metaphysical poetry?
- How did Metaphysical poets reflect the intellectual and spiritual crisis of their time?
- What is the significance of "conceit" in Metaphysical poetry?
Metaphysical poetry is known for its rich and varied language, incorporating both Latinisms and Anglo Saxon words. It features unusual metaphors and conceits, which are comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects. Paradox and epigrammatic conciseness are also key elements, alongside a dramatic tone.
Metaphysical poets, led by John Donne, captured the intellectual and spiritual crisis of the 17th century by transitioning from Renaissance ideals to modern thought. They used wit to craft surprising metaphors and images, reflecting the era's complex changes.
In Metaphysical poetry, a "conceit" is a significant metaphorical device that compares two seemingly unrelated objects, creating a surprising and thought-provoking connection. This technique exemplifies the poets' wit and intellectual depth.
Accedi a tutti gli appunti
Tutor AI: studia meglio e in meno tempo
