Major 2 [ class ]

 1. Discuss Metaphysical Poets. What is Metaphysical Poetry?

🌸Introduction

Metaphysical Poetry is a type of intellectual and philosophical poetry that developed in 17th-century England. It deals with deep ideas about love, religion, life, death and the human soul. Metaphysical poets use wit, logic, unusual comparisons and conceits to express their ideas.

John Donne is the chief and most famous Metaphysical poet. His poem The Canonization is a fine example of Metaphysical poetry.

Major Metaphysical Poets

The major Metaphysical poets are:

• John Donne

• George Herbert

• Andrew Marvell

• Henry Vaughan

• Richard Crashaw

Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry

1. Use of Conceits

Metaphysical poets use unusual and clever comparisons between very different things. In The Canonization, John Donne compares the lovers to flies, candles, an eagle and a dove, and the Phoenix.

2. Intellectual and Logical

Their poetry combines emotion with thought and reasoning. Donne logically argues that the lovers' love does not disturb the world and that their love can become immortal.

3. Unusual Imagery

Metaphysical poets use surprising images and ideas. Donne's comparison of lovers with the Phoenix is a striking example.

4. Mixture of Passion and Thought

Metaphysical poetry combines strong feelings with intellectual ideas. Donne expresses deep love while also using logical arguments to defend it.

5. Religious Ideas

Metaphysical poets often connect ordinary experiences with religious ideas. In The Canonization, Donne presents the lovers as “saints of love”.

🌸Conclusion

Thus, Metaphysical poets are known for their wit, logic, intellectual thought, unusual imagery and metaphysical conceits. John Donne's The Canonization clearly shows these qualities and is a fine example of Metaphysical poetry. 

2. Discuss the Metaphysical Conceits Used by John Donne in The Canonization

🌸Introduction

John Donne is the chief and most famous Metaphysical poet. His poem The Canonization is a fine example of Metaphysical poetry. In this poem, Donne uses several striking and unusual conceits to describe the power and perfection of the lovers' relationship. 

1. Lovers as Flies

Donne compares the lovers to flies that chase light. This comparison is unusual because lovers are connected with small insects. It suggests their strong attraction towards each other.

2. Lovers as Candles

The poet compares the lovers to candles that burn themselves through their mutual love. This image suggests that their love consumes them, yet it also creates a beautiful and meaningful union.

3. Eagle and Dove

The lovers are compared to an eagle and a dove. The eagle represents strength and the dove represents gentleness. Through this comparison, Donne shows how different qualities can exist together in love.

4. Phoenix Conceit

The most important conceit in the poem is the comparison of the lovers with the Phoenix. The Phoenix is a mythical bird that rises again from its ashes. Similarly, the lovers become united so perfectly that even after death, their love achieves a kind of immortality.

5. Saints of Love

Donne presents the lovers as saints of love. Just as saints are remembered and respected for their devotion to God, the lovers will be remembered and respected for their pure and selfless love.

6. Love as a Religious Experience

The poet compares the lovers' devotion to a kind of religious devotion. Their love becomes so powerful that they are treated as saints, and people may pray to them to learn how to love.

🌸Conclusion

Thus, John Donne uses unusual, clever and intellectual conceits in The Canonization. The comparisons of flies, candles, the eagle and dove, the Phoenix and saints make the poem a fine example of Metaphysical poetry. Through these conceits, Donne presents love as powerful, pure, selfless and immortal.