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Literary HistoryThe Metaphysical Poets Metaphysical poetry refers to a specific type of poetry from the early seventeenth century, which was highly intellectual and philosophical and marked by unconventional imagery. Unlike the Elizabethan poets, metaphysical poets shunned regular meter or rhyme schemes. They drew their metaphors from philosophy, theology, and science, rather than nature. Their emphasis was on analyzing emotion, not expressing it. The works of metaphysical poets dealt with darker subjects and thus demanded more from the reader. The major poets who epitomized the metaphysical style were John Donne, George Herbert, Richard Crashaw, and Andrew Marvell. Neoclassicist Samuel Johnson called these poets “unnatural” and gave metaphysical poetry its name. While these poets were influenced by Elizabethan poets, they reacted against their rules and regulations. Donne, for example, used irregular rhythms and figurative language. His poetry often included elaborate metaphors and complicated questions about life. Unlike the Elizabethan poets, the metaphysical poets were drawn to darker subject matter. In their works, they explored the meaning of life and the individual’s relationship with God. Like so many other English people of this time, these men were torn between the dictations of the church and their own intuitions. It is not surprising, therefore, that these poets wrote many sermons, prayers, and other religious works during this period. Metaphysical poetry is characterized by the use of argument that appeals to the intellect; the use of “conceits,” or complicated metaphors; the use of “plain style” language, which contrasted with the Elizabethan “high style,” or ornate use of language; and unconventional forms. Their language was direct, not flowery, and provoked the mind as well as the heart. Like so many writers, artists, and musicians, the metaphysical poets were not fully appreciated during their time. It was not until the twentieth century that their unconventional style finally was recognized as an important landmark in the history of English literature. Bibliography The Metaphysical Poets. New York: Penguin Classics, 1960. A comprehensive resource to selections from Renaissance poetry, including a large selection from John Donne and George Herbert. This is a good overview to metaphysical poetry. John Donne: The Complete English Poems. New York: Penguin, 1977. John Donne was the most well known of the metaphysical poets. This collection of his poetry guides the reader through the complexities of Donne’s verse. Andrew Marvell: The Complete Poems. New York: Penguin Classics, 1977. A collection of poetry from Andrew Marvell, one of the seventeenth century’s chief poets and satirists. George Herbert: The Complete English Poems. New York: Penguin Classics, 2005. An updated collection of George Herbert’s works, including prose such as A Priest to the Temple. Web links Seventeenth-Century English Literature: Metaphysical Poets A Brief Guide to Metaphysical Poets Civil War of Ideas: Seventeenth-Century Politics, Religion and Culture Four Seventeenth-Century Women Poets During the English Renaissance, two major groups of poets emerged: the Metaphysical poets and the Cavalier poets. While the Metaphysical poets mainly were middle class, the Cavalier poets often were aristocrats and supported the monarchy of Charles I. The most talented Cavalier poets—Sir John Suckling, Robert Herrick, and Richard Lovelace—were called the “Tribe” or “Sons of Ben,” as they modeled themselves after poet Ben Jonson. There are many characteristics of Cavalier poetry that distinguish it from the Metaphysical style. For example, the Cavaliers sought to entertain, rather than provoke, their audiences. Also, they employed a conversational style that followed natural speech patterns, and they used regular rhythmic patterns in their writing. However, like the Metaphysical poets, the Cavaliers used elaborate conceits, or complicated metaphors. Most of the Cavaliers were highly influenced by the classical Greek and Roman style. Their subject matter, for example, usually revolved around romantic love, and the Cavaliers used classical women’s names in their poetry. Other Cavalier poets expressed a philosophy or theme called a carpe diem, or “seize the day,” in their work. This phrase was popularized by poet Horace and encourages people to make the most out of every moment because of life’s inherent uncertainty. In the mid-1600s, civil war broke out in England between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. King Charles I was sentenced to death, and Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell became the new leader of the Commonwealth. The Cavaliers, all supporters of the monarchy, disappeared from the public eye. The monarchy eventually was restored in 1660 with the coronation of Charles II. The only member of the “Tribe” who survived this era was Robert Herrick. Bibliography The Cavalier Poets: An Anthology. New York: Dover Publications, 1996. A collection of 120 works from four Cavalier poets: Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew, Sir John Suckling, and Richard Lovelace. Robert Herrick. New York: Everyman’s Library, 1997. Here are selected poems from Robert Herrick, including his well-known poem “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time.” Ben Jonson: The Complete Poems. New York: Penguin Classics, 1988. An anthology of poems, plays, and other works by Ben Jonson, who highly influenced the works and lives of the Cavalier poets. The English Civil Wars 1642–1651. New York: Osprey Publishing, 2003. This short book focuses on the English civil wars that occurred during the time in which the Cavalier poets lived. Web links poets.org: Robert Herrick Seventeenth-Century English Literature: Cavalier Poets Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom: Charles I Log InThe resource you requested requires you to enter a username and password below: | ||
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