100%metaphysical Poet and Their Contribution
100%metaphysical Poet and Their Contribution
100%metaphysical Poet and Their Contribution
The word Metaphysical Poetry is a philosophical concept used in literature where poets portray the
things/ideas that are beyond the depiction of physical existence. Etymologically, there is a combination
of two words meta and physical in word metaphysical. The first word Meta means beyond. So
metaphysical means beyond physical, beyond the normal and ordinary. The meanings are clear here
that it deals with the objects/ideas that are beyond the existence of this physical world.
Apparently,those who write metaphysical poems are called metaphysical poets.Among these poets
John Donne is the most notable. Others so- called metaphysical poets were
Cleveland,Cowley,Crashaw,Herbert and Vauhghan.
The author Samuel Johnson made the first use of the word Metaphysical Poetry. He used the term
Metaphysical poets to define a loose group of the poets of 17th century. The group was not formal and
most of the poets put in this category did not know or read each others writings. He noted in his writing
that all of these poets had the same style of wit and conceit in their poetry.
Metaphysical poetry is a genre of poetry that deals with deep and profound subjects like spirituality,
religion, etc. It is highly intellectual form of poetry and presents the world to its readers in a different
way. It asks questions that science cannot answer. Metaphysical poetry prompts the readers to question
their reality and existence. It takes one beyond the physical world and gives new perspectives through
its imagery, wit, and paradox.
[1] John Donne: John Donne is considered the master of metaphysical poetry. Donne was the founder of
metaphysical school of poetry. He is the greatest poet of this school. His works include Satires, Songs
and Sonnets and Elegies. His poetry falls into three divisions - amorous poems, religious poems and
satirical poems. Donne’s imagistic writing, use of conceit, abrupt beginning with dramatic style, and
colloquial diction made his poems highlighted.
[2] George Herbert: Herbert is mainly a religious poet. Of all the metaphysical poets Herbert is the most
widely read. 'The Temple' reveals his religious zeal. His treatment of religious themes has the simple,
unstudied earnestness of Longfellow. The spirit of the age and humour are the important features of his
poetry. He was a lover of humanity also.
[3] Richard Crawshaw: Richard wrote many metaphysical poems following Donne. He may be
characterized by the brilliant use of extravagant baroque imagery. By his brilliant and rapid short lines
and brief intervals, he carried English prosody to a higher refinement and to a more glittering felicity.
[4] Henry Vaughan: Vaughan is considered one of the major metaphysical poets, whose works ponder
one’s personal relationship to God. Vaughan’s images are more universal or cosmic. ‘’Silex Scintillans’’ is
his famous works. His poems reveal his good intellectual power and originality.
[5] Thomas Carew: His poems show his undoubted lyrical ability. He is neither obscure nor uncouth. All
his poetry is the work of an amorist. As a lyric poet he is the first of his age.
[6] Abraham Cowely: Cowely was a man of versatile literary interest. He wrote poems, plays, essays and
histories. His well-known poems are The Mistress, and The Pindaric Odes. His lyrics are often sweet and
graceful.
[7] Andrew Marvell: Andrew Marvell is the last great name in Metaphysical poetry. He is mainly a
philosophical poet, but his poetry is much admired for its lyrical fervour and technical grace. His notable
poems are Garden, Upon the Hill, The Gallery, and To His Coy Mistress. They deal with the theme of
nature, love and patriotism.
The metaphysical poets enriched English literature with best religious poetry. Donne, Herbert,
Crawshaw, Vaughan are the most prominent among the religious poets in English.
Metaphysical poets also contributed a lot in the field of love poetry. Their contribution in love is quite
considerable and holds an important place in history of English literature.
The ruggedness and vulgarity in versification and diction by metaphysical poets also made a remarkable
service to English poets to realize them that mere smoothness of numbers does not make a poetry
marked as perfection but there are also other factors that can make a great poetry.
Metaphysical poetry is to be read with an open mind. It is not purposely trying to convince readers to
think in a certain way but it provides a new way of thinking. Metaphysical poets are highly intellectual
and people of learning. Readers minds open up, their area of thinking expands, and they awaken by
their writings. The challenging approach of such poetry develops the concentration of readers on the
things that exist beyond this physical world.