John Donne as a Metaphysical poet

1. Metaphysical poet-John Donne

2. Introduction The metaphysical school poetry occupies unique place in the history of english poetry. By the end of 16th century and the beginning of 17th century. The great Elizabethan poetry tire out itself and signs of decadence were visible everywhere. Everything was Conventional and artificial , In very little sense we find original or remarkable. There was much sugared melody and romantic extravagence , but there is no any kind of intellectual things. Its main reason of cause was ”METAPHYSICISM”. In the first decades of t he 17th century there was revolts against outdated and Elizabethan poetry.

3. This school is also known as “The School Of John Donne”. The leaders of the revolt where Ben Johnson and John Donne. Both of them where forcefully personality who attracted staunch followers. John Donne’s poetry is remarkable for its concentrated passion, intellectual agility and dramatic power. He writes his own intellectual, spiritual and amorous experiences. His ‘ Songs and sonnets’, ‘ Holly sonnets’ etc are best example of his varied experience. In this school leading poets are Richard Crashaw, George Herbert, Henry Vaughan and Abraham Cawely . Literary meaning of ‘ meta’ means beyond and ‘ Physics’ means physical nature.

4. It was Dryden who first used the word ‘ Metaphysical’ in the connection with Donne’s poetry and he wrote Donne’s effects the Metaphysics . Thus Metaphysical word used for Donne and his followers. Lets we see one by one aspects of his poetry and prove Donne as Metaphysical poet.

5. The school of Metaphysical Poetry. C.S.Lewis, “ Metaphysicism in poetry is the fruit of Renaissance tree becoming over ripe and approaching putrescence”

6. IMAGE & CONCEIT:A conceit is essentially a simile. It means highly exaggerated , fantastic and absurd comparison. The conceit in poem- The Flee , is called a bridal bed, temple etc and biological image of the fleea . He has used farfetched image. For example; ”my vegetable loves grows vaster then empires…”

7. He gives argument after argument like lawyer. e.g. “Thou art slave to, fate , chance , kings and desperate man...” WE also find the wit in his poetry . Donne poetry’s remarkable thing is his learning , but the wit and ingenuity.

8. Thanks prepared by Vishakha