Metaphysical Poetry emerged during
the 17th
century in England,
a time of great intellectual and cultural ferment. It was a literary movement
characterized by its
unique blend of wit, conceit, and philosophical exploration. The term “metaphysical” was first
coined by Samuel Johnson. He used it to describe ‘a group of poets known
for their complex and abstract themes, intricate language, and unconventional
imagery’.
The Metaphysical poets were – John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, Thomas
Carew, Richard Crashaw, Henry Vaughan, Abraham Cowley, George Chapman and many others. They ventured
beyond conventional poetic boundaries to create a style that continues to
captivate readers with its ingenuity and profound exploration of the human
experience.
The Metaphysical poets were
fascinated by metaphysics, a branch of philosophy that deals with abstract
concepts such as existence, reality, and the nature of being. Their poetry
dealt with the
mysteries of life, death, love, God, and the universe. These poets sought to comprehend the
essence of existence by blending the physical and the spiritual, the earthly and the
divine. They
often used extended
metaphors or conceits that could be ‘intellectually challenging’ and
‘profoundly rewarding’ for readers.
One of the foremost Metaphysical
poets is John Donne. The movement’s characteristics are found through his
works. Donne’s poems are infused with intellectual vigour, employing
Metaphysical conceits that liken spiritual and emotional experiences to
tangible, everyday objects. His famous poem “A Valediction: Forbidding
Mourning” compares the connection between two lovers to
a compass, drawing a parallel between the fixed leg of the compass and the
beloved who remains constant while the other roves. This use of conceit indicates
how Metaphysical poets sought to explore the complexities of human
relationships and the intricacies of emotions in novel and imaginative ways.
The Metaphysical poets were also
known for their deep
exploration of religious themes. George Herbert’s collection
of poetry “The
Temple,” is
a glaring example of this kind. Herbert’s use
of Metaphysical conceits reflects his desire to convey profound spiritual
truths. In “The
Collar,” he employs the metaphor of a collar worn by a
dog to symbolize the restrictions of religious obligations, only to conclude
with the realization that serving God brings true freedom. These Metaphysical conceits
acted as vehicles to contemplate spiritual matters beyond the surface level,
inviting readers to embark on intellectual and emotional journeys.
Andrew Marvell explored the themes such
as time,
mortality, and the fleeting nature of life in his renowned poem “To His Coy Mistress.” In this poem, he uses the metaphor of time as a
chariot to
urge his beloved to seize the present and embrace love. It highlights the
temporary nature of human life and the urgency to make the most of it. This juxtaposition of the mortal and
the immortal, the fleeting and the eternal, is a hallmark of Metaphysical
Poetry.
Metaphysical Poetry had many critics.
Some found the intellectual complexity of the Metaphysical conceits to be
overly intricate and artificial. The famous English poet, Alexander Pope, satirized
the Metaphysical poets in his poem “The Rape of the Lock,”. He mocks at their use of
‘unconventional imagery’ and ‘intricate wordplay’.
However, these poets also had their
admirers, and their influence extended beyond their own era. The Metaphysical
style continued to inspire poets in later centuries. The echoes of their wit
and intellectual daring found in the works of poets like T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden.
To conclude, Metaphysical Poetry is a
unique and intellectually stimulating movement that emerged during the 17th
century in England. Characterized by its intricate language, Metaphysical
conceits, and profound exploration of abstract concepts, it sought to bridge
the gap between the physical and the spiritual, the ordinary and the divine. The Metaphysical poets had a keen
intellect and poetic prowess. Their major themes were – the complexities of existence, love,
God, and the human experience. They left behind a legacy that continues to
captivate and inspire readers to this day. Their poetry invites us to
contemplate the sublime and the profound. It reminded us of the enduring power
of imaginative expression in the quest for understanding the mysteries of life
and the universe.
Features
of Metaphysical Poetry
Metaphysical Poetry is a distinct literary movement
emerged in the 17th
century.
It is characterized by several unique features that set it apart from other
poetic traditions of its time.
The
Major Features of Metaphysical Poetry are:
Metaphysical Conceits:
The most prominent feature of
Metaphysical Poetry is the use of elaborate and extended metaphors known as
Metaphysical conceits.
These conceits draw unexpected and often far-fetched comparisons between two unrelated things.
The poets used these conceits to explore abstract concepts and emotions in a
novel and intellectual manner. Due to the use of such conceits, Metaphysical
Poetry became difficult to understand.
Intellectual
Wit:
Metaphysical poets were known for
their intellectual wit and cleverness. Their poetry often required a certain
level of intellectual capabilities from the readers. They often used complex wordplay, puns, paradoxes,
and allusions. The
poets drew happiness in creating complex webs of thought and reveling in the
intellectual challenges presented by their poems.
Exploration
of Abstract Themes:
The Metaphysical Poetry has profound
and abstract themes, such as the nature of love, time, mortality, God, and the
human soul. These poets were less concerned
with expressing simple emotions. They were more interested in using their
poetry as a platform for philosophical and spiritual exploration.
Fusion
of the Spiritual and the Physical:
Metaphysical poets often blurred the
boundaries between the physical and the spiritual realms. Their poetry
frequently combined elements of the earthly, tangible world with divine or Metaphysical
concepts. This
fusion allowed them to explore the connection between the physical body and the
spiritual soul.
Paradox
and Ambiguity:
Metaphysical Poetry often embraced paradox and
ambiguity. It presented ‘contradictory ideas’ or perspectives within a single poem.
They challenged conventional thinking and encouraged readers to consider
alternative viewpoints.
Use
of Juxtaposition:
The poets employed juxtaposition to
create striking and unexpected contrasts between ideas or images. This
technique heightened the impact of their poetry and added layers of meaning to
their works.
Tension
between Sensuality and Spirituality:
Metaphysical poets grappled
with the
conflict between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations. Their poems often explored the
tension between the physical and the divine. There is harmony between the two
seemingly opposing forces in Metaphysical Poetry.
Love
Poetry with a Twist:
Metaphysical Poets’ treatment of the
theme of love was unconventional. Instead of conventional expressions of adoration,
they examined the complexities of love. They often portrayed love as a
spiritual and intellectual union rather than merely a physical attraction.
Unconventional
Rhyme and Meter:
Metaphysical poets experimented with
rhyme and meter. They often used irregular patterns and unexpected combinations
to fit their intricate ideas and wordplay.
Thus, Metaphysical Poetry is a
highly intellectual
and imaginative form
of expression. It challenges readers to engage their minds and emotions simultaneously. It offers a unique and thought-provoking
experience.
It often conveys complex
ideas through rich and inventive language. It inspires readers to explore the profound
mysteries of life and existence.
