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Questions and Answers
What is the central idea of the poem 'The Flea' by John Donne?
What is a common characteristic of authors within a literary movement?
What is essential to consider when interpreting symbols in a literary work?
What is a notable feature of metaphysical poetry?
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Who is credited with establishing the reputation of metaphysical poets in the twentieth century?
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What is the tone of John Donne's poem 'The Flea'?
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What is a characteristic of metaphysical poets, according to Samuel Johnson?
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What is the subject matter of metaphysical poetry?
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Who is considered the originator of the metaphysical poetry genre?
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What is a characteristic of the works created within a literary movement?
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What is the term used to describe the poets of the seventeenth century, according to John Dryden and Samuel Johnson?
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What is the time period during which metaphysical poetry was at its peak?
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Study Notes
Metaphysical Poetry
- Emerged in 17th century England and continental Europe
- Characterized by exploration of irony, philosophy, and conceits
- Poets relaxed strict use of meter and explored new ideas
John Donne
- Best-known metaphysical poet
- Famous for his poem "The Flea"
- In "The Flea", Donne's speaker argues that it's fine for two people to sleep together because a flea has fed on both their blood, symbolizing their mingled bloods
Metaphysical Poets
- Include John Donne, Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, and George Herbert
- Donne is often cited as the best of this group and the originator of the genre's basic tenets
Symbolism
- Context is crucial in determining the meaning of symbols
- Symbols can be physical objects or abstract concepts
- Examples of symbols: bracelet, scar, picture, smile, hug, threat
- Meaning of symbols can change depending on the context, such as who possesses the object or the circumstances surrounding it
History of Metaphysical Poetry
- Term "metaphysical" was first used by writers like John Dryden and Samuel Johnson in the 17th century to describe poets of that time
- Not until the 20th century that metaphysical poets were adequately recognized for their talent and originality
- T.S. Eliot was a 20th-century literary critic who helped establish the reputation of metaphysical poets
Literary Movement
- A group of literary works created around the same time by authors with similar intentions and styles
- Can range from essays to poems
- Authors within a movement often write about the same subjects, in the same way, with the same intentions
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Description
Explore the world of literature through this quiz, where you'll delve into the characteristics of literary movements, including the similarities and styles of authors and their works. Discover how writers from different backgrounds come together to create a shared literary identity. Test your knowledge of literary movements and their significance.
