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Metaphysical poetry

Metaphysical poetry. Unknown artist (Ehglish School). Portrait of John Donne , 1631. National Portrait Gallery, London. Metaphysical poetry. 1. Meaning of metaphysical. METAPHYSICAL. concerned with the fundamental problems of the nature of the universe and man’s function or place in life.

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Metaphysical poetry

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  1. Metaphysical poetry Unknown artist (Ehglish School). Portrait of John Donne, 1631. National Portrait Gallery, London.

  2. Metaphysical poetry 1. Meaning of metaphysical METAPHYSICAL concerned with the fundamental problems of thenature of the universeandman’s function or place in life

  3. JAMES I of the STUART dynasty was on the throne ( 1603-1625) He thought that the king ruled by DIVINE RIGHT, so he ruled without consulting Parliament. He called it only when he needed money He decided to uphold the Anglican Religion, so discontent . Catholics The Gunpowder Plot by Guy Fawkes (5th Nov.) Puritans The Mayflower …Pilgrim Fathers 1620. He loses the the favour of his subjectsThe stability and self-confidence of the Elizabethan age was replaced by uncertainty and mistrust

  4. The Poets who mirrored this sense of anxiety uneasiness were.. THE METAPHYSICAL POETS Their poetry is • A combination of intellect • and passion

  5. The word Metaphysical had a negative connotation It was referred to those poets who: • wished originality • Priviledged ingenuity • Filled their poems with hyperboles and details • Used too many metaphors, paradoxes , complex analogies • Their thought subtly disguised • The versification was irregular and obscure • Their verses were “ rugged”

  6. Reflected theintellectual and spiritual crisisof the 17th century Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics • The leading poet wasJohn Donne • The poet wasa man of “wit”, displaying his sensitivity, his knowledge and cleverness John Donne, after a miniature by Isaac Oliver, 1616.

  7. JOHN DONNE( 1572-1631) • He was a Catholic • He could not take a degree because of his religion • He converted to the Church of England • He was imprisoned for marrying a minor ( Lord Egerton’s niece, his patron.) • He took order and became Dean of St. Paul’s

  8. He wrote love and religious poems • He wrote against the Platonic idealization of love • He seeks to shock and amuse the reader by his sensual and realistic attitudes towards love • His petry is very difficult to be understood as he combines medieval and contemporary philosophy, everyday events with popular superstitions and legends. • His verses reproduce the natural rhythms of man speaking in a state of deep feeling, so he is deliberatly irregular ( no more the musicality of the lyrics) • His poetry became “Dramatic”

  9. A particular type of metaphor or simile calledconceit Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics If they be two, they are two so As stiff twin compasses are two, Thy soul the fixed foot,makes no show To move, but doth, if th’other do. (John Donne, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning) The poet compares the souls of lovers to compasses

  10. Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics The conceit Insists on the relationship between A (the tenor) and B (the vehicle) Illustrates and develops ideas in a detailed and over-complex way, often with an effect of shock or surprise

  11. Unusual imagestaken from all fields of knowledge: history, geography, astronomy, alchemy, mathematics, etc. Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics Look, and tomorrow late, tell me, Whether both theIndias of spice and mine Be where thou left’st them, or lie here with me. Ask forthose kingswhom thou saw’st yesterday, And thou shalt hear, All here in one bed lay. (John Donne, The Sun Rising)

  12. Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics Paradox: • A statement which is apparently contradictory though in some sense true Take me to you,imprison me, for I Except you enthral me,never shall be free, Nor everchaste, except youravish me. (J. Donne, Batter my heart)

  13. Dramatic quality Most poems beginin medias res Metaphysical poetry 2. Main characteristics Go, and catcha falling star, Getwith child a mandrake root, Tell me, where all past years are (John Donne, Song)

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