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Questions and Answers
What metaphor does Cowley use to compare the world?
What metaphor does Cowley use to compare the world?
Which of the following poets is noted for the comparison of lovers to compasses?
Which of the following poets is noted for the comparison of lovers to compasses?
What aspect of poetry does Johnson criticize in metaphysical poets?
What aspect of poetry does Johnson criticize in metaphysical poets?
In the analysis, which element is NOT often associated with the poets discussed?
In the analysis, which element is NOT often associated with the poets discussed?
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Which line highlights the telescoping of images in the example provided?
Which line highlights the telescoping of images in the example provided?
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What literary technique is primarily exemplified in Bishop King's poem as discussed?
What literary technique is primarily exemplified in Bishop King's poem as discussed?
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What aspect of language is highlighted as a characteristic of the metaphysical poets?
What aspect of language is highlighted as a characteristic of the metaphysical poets?
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Which line from Lord Herbert's Ode suggests a unity among people after death?
Which line from Lord Herbert's Ode suggests a unity among people after death?
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In the examination of Bishop King's poem, what does the comparison to a journey signify?
In the examination of Bishop King's poem, what does the comparison to a journey signify?
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How does Johnson's view of metaphysical poets differ from common interpretations?
How does Johnson's view of metaphysical poets differ from common interpretations?
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Study Notes
The Metaphysical Poets
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T.S. Eliot's essay, first published in 1921, examines the metaphysical poets.
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Professor Grierson compiled an anthology of poems, highlighting poets often overlooked.
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The anthology includes lesser-known poets like Aurelian Townshend and Lord Herbert of Cherbury.
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The anthology is distinct from other collections, focusing on critical analysis.
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The term "metaphysical poetry" is debated; it's unclear if it describes a school or movement, or simply a deviation from the main literary current.
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Defining the style of metaphysical poetry is challenging; it's difficult to specify which poets use it.
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John Donne's work is central to the discussion; his poetry is characterized by its use of unexpected comparisons and elaborations of figures of speech.
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Metaphysical poetry often uses extended comparisons, like comparing the world to a chessboard, or lovers to compasses.
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The technique demands considerable mental agility from the reader.
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Metaphysical poets use diverse stylistic devices as metaphors and similes; it's challenging to define a unifying quality.
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The essay discusses several poets associated with the movement, including Donne, Marvell, and Herbert.
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The devotional poetry of Herbert, Vaughan, and Crashaw developed throughout the 17th century, echoing their late Elizabethan period influences as well as earlier Italian influences.
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The essay highlights the complexity and heterogeneity of ideas within the poetry.
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It emphasizes the unique characteristic of these poets' style, which was "the elaboration (contrasted with the condensation) of a figure of speech to the furthest stage to which ingenuity could carry it."
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Analysis contrasts Donne and Cowley's techniques, noting Donne's skill in using comparisons. The use of a metaphor combined into a larger comparison.
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The essay argues the style of these poets was unique and complex, demanding intellectual effort from the reader.
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The use of metaphors and contrasting ideas is vital to metaphysical poetry.
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The style of these poets influenced later developments in English literature.
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The style of these poets evolved; comparison or contrast to more earlier writers.
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The essay contrasts the metaphysical style of 17th-century poets to those of the 18th century and their shift away from the more complex style.
Additional Observations
- The essay highlights the blending of diverse ideas, or merging dissimilar ideas into unity, in metaphysical poetry.
- The essay suggests a decline in directness in later poets, away from the "exactness" of earlier metaphysical poets.
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Description
Explore T.S. Eliot's insights on metaphysical poets in this comprehensive quiz. Delve into the works of influential figures like John Donne and lesser-known poets featured in Professor Grierson's anthology. Uncover the complexities and defining characteristics that shape the genre of metaphysical poetry.
