Metaphysical poets were a group of 17th-century English poets who were known for their distinctive style of poetry. This term was not coined by the poets themselves but was later applied to them by literary critic Samuel Johnson.
Samuel Johnson, a prominent literary critic and writer, coined the term “Metaphysical poets” in his work “Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets,” which was published in the 18th century. In this influential biographical and critical work, Johnson provided biographies and critical assessments of 52 poets, including a group he referred to as the “metaphysical poets.” The poet Abraham Cowley, a metaphysical poet, in whose biography Samuel Johnson first named and described Metaphysical poetry.
Here are the names of metaphysical poets, a specific group of English poets who lived in the 17th century and had some unique features in their poetry.
- John Donne
- Andrew Marvell
- George Herbert
- Richard Crashaw
- Henry Vaughan
- Abraham Cowley
- Thomas Traherne
- John Cleveland
- Richard Leigh
- Edward Benlowes
John Donne, in particular, is considered one of the most significant Metaphysical poets. He is known as the Monarch of Wit. He left an indelible mark on his contemporaries, especially the emerging metaphysical poets as I mentioned above. His poems, like “The Flea” and “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” exemplify the style and themes associated with this literary movement.
John Donne, a poet who straddled both the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, is often referred to as a late Renaissance poet due to the timing of the publication of his works. John Donne’s poetry clearly reflects his dissatisfaction with the conventions of his time. He developed a distinct style that was independent of Elizabethan poetry. His unique approach to poetry marked significant progress in his literary career. In 1601, Donne composed a poem titled “The Progress of the Soul,” which employed the use of couplets. This poetic form subsequently found favor in the later periods, with poets such as John Dryden and Alexander Pope adopting and refining it.
In metaphysical poetry, there is no scientific reason, beyond the physical world. Metaphysical poetry is characterized by its distinctive use of metaphysical conceits, complex and intellectual themes, paradoxes, and intricate wordplay. This style of poetry explores profound philosophical and spiritual ideas, often through the use of extended metaphors that connect seemingly unrelated concepts or objects. Metaphysical poets grapple with complex subjects like love, the nature of existence, and the relationship between the physical and the spiritual. Paradoxical statements and ideas were a common feature in Metaphysical poetry. Poets used paradoxes to create tension and provoke thought. Many Metaphysical poems delved into religious and spiritual themes, reflecting the poets’ inner struggles and questions about faith.
Indeed, John Dryden, a prominent English poet of the 17th century, expressed admiration and praise for the Metaphysical poets, he particularly praised John Donne’s poetry and wit. Dryden’s acknowledgment helped solidify the reputation of the Metaphysical poets as a distinct and noteworthy group in the history of English literature.
In the 20th century, T.S. Eliot, a renowned poet, essayist, and literary critic, played a significant role in recognizing the importance and influence of the school of Metaphysical poets. In his works, Eliot celebrated the Metaphysical poets for their ability to blend intellectual depth with emotion and for their skill in using complex metaphors and conceits to explore profound ideas. He argued that their style represented a break from the prevailing poetic conventions of their time and set a precedent for later poets.
Eliot’s essay contributed to a renewed interest in the Metaphysical poets and their unique contributions to English literature. It emphasized the lasting impact of this poetic tradition on subsequent generations of poets and scholars, making the Metaphysical poets a subject of continued study and appreciation in the 20th century and beyond.