Name: Trupti Naik
Batch: M.A Sem 1 [2023-2025]
Enrollment Number : 5108230028
Roll number: 31
E-mail Address: nayaktrupti188@gmail.com
Assignment details:-
Topic: Beyond the Ordinary: Exploring Metaphysical Poetry
Paper:101: Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods
Subject code: 22392
Submitted to:- S.B. Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar
Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023
Metaphysical poetry is a group of poems that share common characteristics: they are all highly intellectualized, use rather strange imagery, use frequent paradox and contain extremely complicated thought.
History of Metaphysical Poetry
The word “metaphysical” was used by writers such as John Dryden and Samuel Johnson in regards to the poets of the seventeenth century. These poets are noted for their “unnaturalness”. Johnson wrote in Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets in the late 1700s, that a “race of writers” had appeared that might be termed “metaphysical poets”. The term was likely taken from Dryden who had described John Donne as affecting “metaphysics” in his “satires” and his “amorous verses”. It was not until the twentieth century that many of these poets were adequately recognized for their talent and originality.
What Is Metaphysical Poetry?
Metaphysical poetry known, as in the past, is amply dis- cussed and only vaguely defined. From Drummond to Dryden, and from Johnson to T. S. Eliot it has been variously mentioned, but never distinguished clearly from the rest of our poetical literature. Two metaphysical anthologies have been published in recent years, with introductions roughly indicating the compiler's conception of metaphysical poetry and poems which do not seem to belong even to the editor's own notions of the genre. Grierson reaches the conclusion that 'all great poetry is metaphysical'. Consequently, one might expect any anthology of the World's Best Poetry, or a Treasure House of English Verse to be a comprehensive metaphysical anthology. Obviously a more restrictive definition must be found. It will not do to call great poetry and metaphysical poetry synonymous.
Metaphysical poetry is a type of poetry that is characterized by:
Intellectualism
Complex thought
Strange imagery
Frequent use of paradox
Bold conceits
Incongruous imagery
Deliberate harshness or rigidity of expression
Metaphysical poet, any of the poets in 17th-century England who inclined to the personal and intellectual complexity and concentration that is displayed in the poetry of John Donne, the chief of the Metaphysical. Others include Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, John Cleveland, and Abraham Cowley as well as, to a lesser extent, George Herbert and Richard Crashaw.
Their work is a blend of emotion and intellectual ingenuity, characterized by conceit or “wit”—that is, by the sometimes violent yoking together of apparently unconnected ideas and things so that the reader is startled out of his complacency and forced to think through the argument of the poem. Metaphysical poetry is less concerned with expressing feeling than with analyzing it, with the poet exploring the recesses of his consciousness. The boldness of the literary devices used—especially obliquity, irony, and paradox—are often reinforced by a dramatic directness of language and by rhythms derived from that of living speech.
To His Coy Mistress
By Andrew Marvell
To His Coy Mistress, poem of 46 lines by Andrew Marvell, published in 1681. The poem treats the conventional theme of the conflict between love and time in a witty and ironic manner. The poet opens by telling his mistress that, given all the time in the world, he would spend hundreds of years praising each part of her body, while she could spend hundreds of years refusing his advances. But he gently reminds her that their mortal days are not so abundant and urges her to submit to his embraces before her beauty fades and they both die. The poet’s argument is ingeniously constructed and presented, and the reader is left with both an amusing portrait of an impatient lover and a deeper sense of the evanescence of life.
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day): The poem advocates living life to the fullest and making the most of the present moment. The speaker urges his coy mistress to seize the opportunity for love and passion now rather than waiting for time to pass.
Characteristics of "To His Coy Mistress" as Metaphysical Poetry:
Paradoxical Language: The poem is rife with paradoxes, such as "Had we but world enough and time," which underscores the tension between the speaker's ardent desire for immediate union and the inevitability of time's constraints.
Extended Metaphors: Marvell employs extended metaphors, such as comparing the mistress's beauty to the vastness of the world, to emphasize the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.
Intellectual Argumentation: The poem presents a logical argument, urging the mistress to seize the moment and indulge in their love before time's relentless march renders it impossible.
Wit and Satire: Marvell's wit and satire shine through in his descriptions of eternity, where the mistress's beauty will be consumed by worms and her honor turned to dust.
Tension Between Passion and Intellect: The poem balances passionate emotion with intellectual reasoning, creating a captivating interplay that drives the speaker's persuasive argument.
Philosophical Contemplation: The poem delves into philosophical themes of mortality, the brevity of life, and the urgency to seize the moment, adding depth and resonance to the speaker's plea.
Easter Wings
By George Herbert
‘Easter Wings’ by George Herbert is a fairly simple, yet quite moving, Christian poem that addresses the fall of man and the speaker’s desire to rise. Herbert published ‘Easter Wings’ in his collection The Temple in 1633.
By using the shape of a bird’s wings, the poet is able to emphasize the nature of the fall and rise the speaker is experiencing. The poem begins with the speaker addressing the creation of humankind, specifically Adam. He describes the man’s foolishness and how he threw away everything good that God gave him. It is because of this person’s choice that the speaker suffers today. But, he’s not content to stay that way. He asks God throughout this poem to allow him to rise out of the darkness and into the light.
The poem is an expression of religious faith and explores themes of spiritual ascent, redemption, and the relationship between humanity and God.
Distinctive Features of "Easter Wings" as Metaphysical Poetry:
Concrete Imagery and Symbolism: The poem employs concrete imagery, such as the visual shape of wings, to evoke the spiritual concept of resurrection and ascension. The use of wings symbolizes the soul's liberation from sin and its ability to rise towards God.
Biblical Allusions and Theological Depth: The poem is rich in biblical allusions, such as references to Adam and Eve's Fall and Christ's sacrificial death, grounding the speaker's spiritual journey in the context of Christian tradition.
Symbolic Structure and Shape Poetry: The poem's shape, resembling a pair of wings, reinforces its thematic concerns and visually represents the speaker's desire to soar towards God. This concrete embodiment of the poem's meaning is a hallmark of metaphysical poetry.
Exploration of Human Sin and Redemption: The poem delves into the depths of human sin and the possibility of redemption through divine grace. The speaker acknowledges his own frailty and spiritual poverty while seeking solace and renewal in God's love.
Metaphysical Conceits and Paradoxical Language: The poem employs metaphysical conceits, such as comparing the soul's ascent to the flight of a bird, to capture the transformative power of spiritual awakening. Paradoxes, such as the contrast between the speaker's spiritual poverty and his desire for heavenly flight, add depth and complexity to the exploration of faith.
Unique Contributions of "Easter Wings" to Metaphysical Poetry:
Emphasis on Spiritual Renewal and Resurrection: The poem focuses on the transformative power of faith and the possibility of spiritual rebirth, offering hope and consolation to those struggling with sin and despair.
Personal and Universal Themes: The poem seamlessly blends personal introspection with universal themes of sin, redemption, and spiritual renewal, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.
Visual Representation of Spiritual Concepts: The poem's concrete imagery and shape further enhance its metaphysical dimension, providing a visual representation of spiritual concepts and emotions.
Fusion of Intellect and Emotion: The poem balances intellectual exploration with emotional depth, offering a profound and moving meditation on faith and the human condition.
The Mistress
By Abraham Cowley
In The Mistress (1647, 1656) he exaggerated John Donne’s “metaphysical wit”—jarring the reader’s sensibilities by unexpectedly comparing quite different things—into what later tastes felt was fanciful poetic nonsense. His Pindarique Odes (1656) try to reproduce the Latin poet’s enthusiastic manner through lines of uneven length and even more extravagant poetic conceits.
Metaphysical poetry is also known for its exploration of the spiritual and physical aspects of love. Cowley's poem reflects this by intertwining the physical attraction with deeper emotional and intellectual connections. It goes beyond mere descriptions of physical beauty and touches upon the beauty and touches upon the complexities of human relationships.
Distinct Features of "The Mistress" as Metaphysical Poetry:
Wit and Paradox: The poem is infused with wit and paradox, as Cowley playfully contrasts the mistress's physical beauty with her imperfections, challenging conventional notions of idealized beauty.
Extended Metaphors and Conceits: Cowley employs extended metaphors, such as comparing the mistress's eyes to stars, to emphasize the power of love and its transformative potential. Conceits, such as the comparison of the mistress's heart to a sundial, add depth and complexity to the exploration of love's paradoxes.
Logical Argumentation and Intellectual Discourse: The poem presents a logical argument, examining the conflict between the speaker's desire for physical intimacy and his intellectual appreciation of the mistress's mind and soul. This intellectual discourse is a hallmark of metaphysical poetry.
Philosophical Musings: The poem delves into philosophical themes of mortality, the pursuit of knowledge, and the nature of true love. Cowley contemplates the fleeting nature of beauty and the enduring power of intellectual connection.
Shifting Perspectives and Dialogical Structure: The poem shifts between different perspectives, including the speaker's direct address to the mistress, his dialogue with his own soul, and his observations of the natural world. This dynamic structure adds depth and complexity to the exploration of love and its complexities.
Unique Contributions of "The Mistress" to Metaphysical Poetry:
Exploration of Female Beauty and Intellectualism: The poem challenges traditional gender roles by celebrating the mistress's intellectual prowess and her ability to inspire the speaker's mind and soul.
Examination of Love's Paradoxical Nature: The poem explores the contradictory nature of love, simultaneously acknowledging its transformative power and its potential for disappointment and disillusionment.
Fusion of Physical and Intellectual Love: Cowley delves into the complexities of love, moving beyond physical attraction to explore the interplay of emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connections.
Exploration of Mortality and Time's Passage: The poem confronts the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of beauty, prompting the speaker to reflect on the true essence of love and its enduring value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the three poems discussed here, "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell, "The Mistress" by Abraham Cowley, and "Easter Wings" by George Herbert, all embody the essence of metaphysical poetry through their use of vivid imagery, striking metaphors, and intellectual exploration to delve into profound philosophical and spiritual themes. These poems invite readers to contemplate the complexities of love, beauty, mortality, and the relationship between the human and the divine, making them timeless pieces of literature that continue to inspire and captivate readers.
References
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopedia. "Abraham Cowley". Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Jul. 2023 https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abraham-Cowley Accessed 26 November 2023.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopedia. "Andrew Marvell". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2023,https://www.britannica.com/topic/To-His-Coy-Mistress Accessed 26 November 2023.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopedia. "Metaphysical poet". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Feb. 2014, https://www.britannica.com/art/Metaphysical-poets Accessed 26 November 2023.
Smith, W. Bradford. “What Is Metaphysical Poetry?” The Sewanee Review, vol. 42, no. 3, 1934, pp. 261–72. JSTOR,https://www.jstor.org/stable/27535002 Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.
Word Count : 2010
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