3. Metaphysics: the branch of philosophy that systematically investigates the
nature of first principles and the problems of ultimate reality: it includes the
study of being (ontology) and the study of the structure of the universe
(cosmology).
4. The term was applied 100 years later, by Dr Johnson, who used it rather
disparagingly, to describe certain poets whom he regarded as addicted to
‘witty conceits’ (comparisons) and far fetched imagery. In a poetic
context, the term was first applied to a group of 17th century poets,
including Donne, but has since come to mean poetry which expresses
emotion in an intellectual context,
5. What are the characteristics of
metaphysical poetry ?
6. Chief characteristics of Metaphysical poetry:
Colloquial diction
inventive use of structure and form
Variety of tone – often within one poem
Poets speak in their own persona or create dramatically
different characters and situations: self-dramatization,
internal dramatic conflict.
Opening lines often direct and startling.
7. Use of argument and logic within a poem –often
intellectually ingenious
Original and startling metaphors and similes, often
extended into conceits
Concentrated meaning – poems are usually short,
dense with meaning and finely crafted
Sensuousness, directness, immediacy
Often appealing to an intellectual and well educated
audience
8. the essential features of metaphysical poetry :
• Intricate arguments
• Use of paradox (ie an apparently self-contradictory
statement ‘Death, thou shalt die’ – showing wit!)
• Puns and word play
• Hyperbole
9. Intertextual references and analogies drawn from other areas of learning
Moving between strict (often iambic) rhythms and regular metres
The patterns of colloquial speech
Arresting openings
The metaphysical ‘conceit’ – a strongly maintained metaphor that creates an
unusual comparison between two things. (Samuel Johnson did not approve – he
called Donne’s conceits “the most heterogeneous ideas are yoked together by
violence’ and said Donne’s ‘Thoughts (are) often new, but seldom natural”)