Metaphysical Poets and John Donne

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Metaphysical Poets and John Donne “Metaphysical poetry” （玄学派诗歌） is used to refer to the works of the poets such as John Donne, Andrew Marvell, Abraham Cowley, John Cleveland and George Herbert, etc. John Donne is the leading figure of Metaphysical poets. The Features of Metaphysical Poetry With a rebellious spirit, the metaphysical poets tried to break away from the conventional fashion of the Elizabethan love poetry. The diction is simple as compared with that of the Elizabethan or the Neoclassic periods, and echoes the words and cadences of common speech. The imagery is drawn from the actual life. The form is frequently that of an argument with the poet's beloved, with God, or with himself. Mysticism in content and fantasticality in form Favored for a more colloquial language Use of conceits （奇喻） , paradoxes and far-fetched imagery. The Definition of Conceit : It is an unusually far-fetched or elaborate metaphor or simile presenting a surprisingly apt parallel between apparantly dissimilar things or feelings. E.g. love – a twin compasses, marriage, love – a flea Prefer to use words which call the mind to play, rather than those that appeal to the senses or evoke emotional response. Use paradox or contrast to avoid smoothness and plainness. E.g. “They in the sea being burnt, they in the burnt ship drowned.” (Burnt Ship) Intellectual, analytical, anti-romantic John Donne (1572-1631) 1. His position: the leading Metaphysical poet 2. His life experience Features of Donne’s Poetry Conceit At the heart of Donne’s poetry is the conceit, which brings together things that are primarily unlike, so the comparison is novel. E.g. The Flea Cynicism, reaction from the idealization of woman. Wit, paradox, hyperbole and puns Wit is the mainstream of Donne’s poetic method. Donne is good at using paradox and puns. E.g. “I am unable, yonder beggar cries, / To stand, or move;/ If he say true, he lies” (Lame Beggar). The use of hyperbole: tear- floods, sigh-tempests Image: strange, thought-provoking and philosophical.

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