Metaphysical Poetry of John Donne - 1441 Words

Kirsten Furnish AP Literature Mrs. Hendricks November 1, 2012 Literary Analysis of John Donne This examination of John Donne’s metaphysical poetry includes analysis of Donne’s use of topic, structure, scansion, style and theme. John Donne is known as one of the best writers of metaphysical poetry, a genre of poetry that is characterized specifically by themes of knowledge, intellect, and having a somewhat unrecognizable meter or rhyme. Metaphysical poetry forsakes pure and genial nature of other Elizabethan poets. Paradox, juxtaposition, and philosophy are few of many recurring ideas of metaphysical poems. He had one of the most favored reputations of any major English writer. Donne balanced mainly between devotional and philosophical†¦show more content†¦Each stanza rhymes ABBACDCDEE. The symbolism used in â€Å"The Sun Rising† reflects the title itself. The outside world is forced to revolve around these two lovers, lost in themselves. As with many of Donne’s poems, you must not interpret literally, only metaphorically. Donne uses hyperb oles, letting the reader know that the couple is not literally being orbited by the universe, but rather reflecting how they feel their own worlds are. The poet’s characteristic style is shown in the opening lines because the persona is straightforward and dramatic. The significance of human love within a permanent physical universe is a key theme in this poem of Donne’s. Explanation and description help John Donne to support his theme in â€Å"The Sun Rising.† This theme also has ties to the general metaphysical theme that is present in most of Donne’s works. Although they are two separate poems, â€Å"The Sun Rising† and â€Å"The Canonization† share many of the same aspects of writing. The persona and topics of each poem overlap. In the first poem, the lovers are â€Å"canonized,† making them one person, who only needs the other. The second poem relates to the first because each of the couples want and see only their lover, no one else. With them being structurally similar, it is easy to see the form of each of these poems. Both poems use aShow MoreRelatedMetaphysical Poetry By John Donne1590 Words   |  7 PagesFeras Mohammed Awaga Grade 11 B Metaphysical Poetry According to English language, when metaphysical is divided into two words ‘meta’ is defined as after and physical remains as it is. Thus metaphysical means after the physical. The definition above was according to English language, however according to poetry is†¦. Many poets got involved in metaphysical poetry like: Samuel Johnson who wrote his book which is known as ‘’Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets’’, Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvel, RichardRead MoreJohn Donne s Metaphysical Poetry2151 Words   |  9 PagesJohn Donne’s metaphysical poetry is where theology crosses with sexuality. 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Donne is exceptionally good at creating unusual unions between different elements in order to illustrate his point and form a persuasive argument in his poems. ByRead MoreTHE MAIN FEATURES OF THE METAPHYSICAL POETRY ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN DONNE1637 Words   |  7 PagesFEATURES OF THE METAPHYSICAL POETRY ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN DONNE The term metaphysical poetry is used to describe a certain type of 17th century poetry. Metaphysical poetry is concerned with the whole experience of man. It means that the poetry is about showing knowledge and thoughts from different areas of experience, especially about love, romantic and sensual; about mans relationship with God and about pleasure, learning and art. Metaphysical poems are lyricRead MoreJohn Donne1376 Words   |  6 PagesJohn Donne is the name in English Literature who gave new direction to the literary activities of his age. He is in a sense founded the metaphysical lyric, which was practiced by scare of writers. As Dowden says, â€Å"We are told that in the decline of the greater poetry of the Elizabethan period, a metaphysical school arose and that John Donne was the founder or the first eminent member of this school.† John Donne set up a new tradition in versification by and large Donne must be regarded as an originalRead MoreCharacteristics of Metaphysical Poetry876 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is a metaphysical poem? Metaphysical poetry is concerned with the whole experience of man, but the intelligence, learning and seriousness of the poets means that the poetry is about the profound areas of experience especially - about love, romantic and sensual; about man s relationship with God - the eternal perspective, and, to a less extent, about pleasure, learning and art. Metaphysical poems are lyric poems. They are brief but intense meditations, characterized by striking use of witRead MoreElements Of Metaphysical Poetry1092 Words   |  5 PagesDuring the 1600s, a group of poets created a type of poetry known as metaphysical poetry. Metaphysical poetry is a type of poetry that is devotional and mystical in content; it incorporates intellect, logic, and argument to demonstrate concepts such as love and death. Metaphysical poems have the elements of metaphors, metaphysical conceits, paradoxes, and analogies. Metaphors and metaphysical conceits, a type of extended metaphor, are used to show a connection between two things that are not similarRead MoreThe word Wit has multiple definitions, most of which metaphysical poets use in their distinctive1400 Words   |  6 Pagesdefinitions, most of which metaphysical poets use in their distinctive poetic style. Definitions for wit include: â€Å"the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those conne ctions between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure† (Dictionary.com 2014) and â€Å"understanding, intelligence, or sagacity, astuteness† (Dictionary.com 2014). In this paper I will unpack the main features of metaphysical poetry and explore the relevance of wit and conceit in relation to John Donne’s works. FurthermoreRead MoreMetaphysical Poetry1246 Words   |  5 PagesMetaphysical Poetry: Much More Than Wit The two main views of metaphysical poetry, as composed by poets A.E. Housman and T.S. Eliot, are vastly different. Eliot’s view of metaphysical poetry is a very positive and respectful one. He admires the uniqueness of the metaphysical poets when he describes them as â€Å"reflective poets† as opposed to merely intellectual ones. Eliot says they have the ability to â€Å"feel their thought as immediately as the odor of a rose,† compared to the strictly thought-drivenRead MoreAnalysis Of A Valediction Forbidding Mourning 1108 Words   |  5 Pagespoem, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning, John Donne employs conceit, symbolism, and tone to poetically paint a picture of the true love that exist between a man and his wife. John Donne was born on January22, 1572 to a Catholic family in England. (John Donne Biography) In his twenties Donne spent a lot of money on women, books and traveling. ( John Donne Biography) In 1601 Donne became a member of Parliament and married Anne More. ( John Donne Biography) Neither of the families approved