Metaphysical poetry: Donne and Marvell
A Guide for Understanding Ms. Perry British Literature, Winter 2009
Metaphysics: A branch of philosophy that investigates reality, and other aspects of life that science or religion cannot fully explain.
Questioned our “being in the world,” existence, space, and time. Focus on intellectualism and emotion.
What is metaphysics?
Metaphysical poets: Group of British lyric poets of the 17th century, who showed an interest in metaphysical concerns and a common way of investigating them. Such poets include John Donne, Andrew Marvell, Richard Lovelace. Most of them did not even know each other, nor had they read each other’s works.
Metaphysical poets
Their style was characterized by wit, and satire, subtle arguments, and/or an unusual simile or metaphor such as in Andrew Marvell’s comparison of the soul with a drop of dew. Metaphysical conceits: Complex and ingenious figures of speech that make surprising connections between two seemingly dissimilar things. (A lover’s tears to newly minted coins, for example).
Metaphysical poetry: style.
Revisit Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress” on page 241. What elements of metaphysical poetry can you pick out of this poem?
Practice…
Born in 1571 or 1572 Educated in Jesuit schools Roman Catholic, persecuted until he joined Anglican Church. Imprisoned for marrying his wife, destroyed civil service career.
John Donne
Lived poor, lost two of his nine children before they turned ten. Satire of English society, often obscured sexual references. Later became a priest and challenged death. Developed a shift from the more classical British poetry to the personal poetry.
Donne, continued
Define “hyperbole.” Read Donne’s “Song” on page 245 and discuss.
Classwork…
◦ To be completed individually: ◦ Read “Before You Read” (page 247) and “A Valediction: Forbidding Morning” by John Donne on page 248. ◦ Answer #2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 on page 249.
Classwork, part deux.