Thinking Activity - Metaphysical Poetry

                                                                   John Donne

                       Literally meaning of "Meta" is "Beyond" and "Physics" means "Physical Nature". it was John Dryden who first use the word "Metaphysical" in connection with Donne's affects the "Metaphysical" and Dr.Samuel Johnson conformed the judgment of Dryden.

Here i try to interpreter characteristics of metaphysical poetry with the example of metaphysical poetry. 




  1. Unusual Images :-        
  •              Metaphysical poet taken images from field of Knowledge, Science, History, Agriculture, Chemistry, Architecture, Geometry, Mathematics, Medical etc...
  • Example :-                     
                                            "Mark but this flea, and mark in this,   
                                             How little that which thou deniest me is;   
                                             It sucked me first, and now sucks thee,
                                             And in this flea our two bloods mingled be;"

                       He use images like Flea and Blood it makes their poetry more interesting and difficult to understand.


      2. Metaphysical Conceits :-
                     
                       A significant feature of metaphysical poetry is the use of metaphysical conceits. conceits is a Far-Fetched comparison of two dissimilar things.
                     
                      Metaphysical poetry is considered to be highly terse and concise in the history of poetry. these poems are very brief and short in length. in the poetry every word has it is own faction and conveys the message of the Author.
     
  •    Example :-     
                                          "My Love Is Like Red Rose"

                     It is a typical metaphor roses are res which is related to the heart, however comparing two lovers to a compass is much more unusual relationship which allows the writer to build meaning through an extended metaphor. we will see this used in "The Flea" by John.


  •    The Use Of Paradoxes :-
                Metaphysical poet illustrate and develop ideas in a detailed and over complex way often with an effects of surprise.
  
                A paradoxical metaphor causing a shock to the reader by the strangeness of the objects
compared. 

         Example :-   Lovers and a compass, the soul and timber, the body and mind. 

              In metaphysical poetry we find that metaphysical poet use this type of paradoxes. 


  •    Hyperbole :-
           Hyperbole is the use of over - exaggeration to create emphasis or humor. its not intended to be taken literally, its supposed to drive a point home and make the reader understand just how much the writer felt in the moment. 

  •         The Sun Rising 
                   if her eyes have not buliend thine look, and tomorrow late tell me whether both the indias spice and mine.

  •    To His Coy Mistress 
                                      An hundred years should go to praise 
                                          Thine eyes and on thy forehead gaze 

            Andrew Marvell was a 17th century metaphysical poet that often used hyperbole in his writing. In his poem to his coy mistress is best example of use of hyperbole. 


    4. Highly Intellectual :-
                    
                   In metaphysical poetry we can easily find that poet use highly intellectual them like, Love, God, Religious, Spirituality, Existence etc...  

 Example :-  The Ecstacy

In this poem we find that poet gave highly intellectual idea about love.




    5. Middle Opening / Res :-

  •    The Collar :-
                                        "I Struck The Board And Cried No More" 
                 
                         The collar is written by Herbert. This poem start with middle part " I Struck The Board". 
  •    The Canonization :-
                                     " For God's Sake Hold Your Tongue, And Let Me Love"

                  such opening line demonstrates with refreshing directness john Donne's genius for grabbing our attention right from the first line of a poem. 'The Canonization' is a difficult poem but its opening style and use of imagery its became poem very effective.

Conclusion;-
               
                   Metaphysical poets created a new trend in history of english literature. This poetry's have been created in such unique way. metaphysical poet made use of everyday speech, intellectual analysis, and unique imagery.        

                    
                      






Thank You.....
                  

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