Metaphysical Midterm

Vocabulary from Metaphysical Poetry Terms

1. Metaphysical Poetry

• Defined as poetry that explores thoughts and feelings introspectively.

• Includes abstract reasoning and deep intellectual inquiry.

• Notable for theological and philosophical themes, surprising conceits, paradoxes, and far-fetched imagery.

• Central Figure: John Donne.

2. Metaphysical Conceit

• An extended metaphor that creates an unexpected connection between two vastly different ideas or things.

• Example: Comparing a compass to lovers’ souls.

3. Paradox

• A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains an underlying truth.

• Example: “The only rule is there are no rules.”

4. Imagery

• The representation of sensory experiences through language.

• Types:

• Visual Imagery: Sight-related descriptions.

• Auditory Imagery: Sound-related.

• Olfactory Imagery: Related to smell.

• Gustatory Imagery: Describes taste.

• Tactile Imagery: Touch-related.

• Organic Imagery: Internal sensations (e.g., hunger, fear).

• Kinesthetic Imagery: Movement or tension.

5. Hyperbole

• Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

• Example: “I’ve told you a million times!”

6. Alliteration

• The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words.

• Example: “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”

7. Repetition

• The recurrence of a word or phrase for emphasis.

• Example: “Time after time.”

8. Tone

• The writer’s attitude toward the subject.

• Examples: Cheerful, serious, sarcastic, lighthearted.

9. Mood

• The feeling evoked in the reader by the writing.

• Examples: Nostalgic, suspenseful, melancholic.

10. Volta

• A shift in tone, theme, or argument, typically in sonnets.

• Often occurs between lines 8–12.

11. Metaphor

• A figure of speech comparing two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

• Example: “Time is a thief.”

12. Simile

• A comparison using “like” or “as.”

• Example: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”

13. Allusion

• A brief reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art.

• Example: “He met his Juliet.”

14. Epitaph

• A phrase or statement written in memory of a deceased person, often on a tombstone.

• Example: “Rest in peace.”

15. Cavalier Poets

• Poets focused on themes of love, honor, and the carpe diem philosophy.

• Examples: Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew.

16. Synecdoche

• A figure of speech where a part represents the whole.

• Example: “All hands on deck” (hands = sailors).

17. Metonymy

• A figure of speech where something is represented by something closely related to it.

• Example: “The crown” refers to the monarchy.

Notes on John Donne and Metaphysical Poetry

1. John Donne: Life and Works

• Dates: 1572–1631.

• Early Life: Reckless and adventurous, involved in secret love affairs and lawsuits over marriage.

• Later Life: Became a devout cleric, eventually serving as Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

• Major Works:

• Songs and Sonnets (1633): Youthful love poems.

• Devotions upon Emergent Occasions (1624): Focuses on spirituality and mortality.

2. Donne’s Views on Love

• Early Phase: Physical and fleeting, often focusing on variety and inconstancy.

• Mature Phase: Spiritual and intellectual, viewing love as a perfect union of body and mind.

3. Donne’s Views on Poetry

• Combines emotion with intellectual ingenuity.

• Known for analyzing feelings rather than merely expressing them.

• Literary devices: Conceits, paradoxes, irony, and dramatic language.

4. Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry

• Intellectual depth and introspection.

• Use of far-fetched conceits and paradoxes.

• Exploration of life, love, death, and spirituality.

• Dramatic and conversational tone.

5. Other Metaphysical Poets

• George Herbert: Explored faith and spirituality through symbolic and devotional poetry.

• Andrew Marvell: Known for works like To His Coy Mistress, focusing on nature and existential themes.