Metaphysical Poetry

These flashcards cover essential concepts and terms related to Metaphysical Poetry, with a focus on its historical context, key figures, and literary devices.

Metaphysical Poetry

A genre of poetry from the 17th century characterized by philosophical and spiritual subjects combined with wit, irony, and elaborate metaphors.

Metaphysical Conceit

An extended metaphor that draws unexpected analogies between seemingly dissimilar things, often revealing a play of intellect.

Lyric Poems

A form of poetry expressing personal emotions or thoughts, typically in a highly musical form.

Paradox

A statement that contradicts itself but may still be true; commonly used in metaphysical poetry to provoke thought.

Jesuit Ignatian Meditation

A form of meditation that combines thought and feeling, which influenced the poetic mode of metaphysical poets.

John Donne

A key figure in metaphysical poetry, known for his emotional intensity, complex metaphors, and themes of love and faith.

Imagery

Descriptive language that evokes sensory experience, often used in metaphysical poetry to draw on contemporary knowledge and discoveries.

Extended Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem.

Irony

A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used in metaphysical poetry.

Rhyme and Meter

The structured rhythm and pattern of words in poetry that are characteristic of the formal construction of metaphysical poems.

Wordplay

Clever or witty use of words that adds interest or humor to a poem, often found in metaphysical poetry.

Royal Chaplain

A clergyman appointed to assist a royal family, a position held by John Donne later in his life.

Emotional Intensity

The profound depth of feeling expressed in poetry, a hallmark of Donne's work that enhances its connection to readers.

Heterogeneous Ideas

Mixed or diverse concepts brought together, often resulting in rich ambiguity in poetic works.