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Metaphysical Poetry 

Metaphysical poetry is marked by the use of elaborate figurative language, original conceits, paradoxes, and philosophical topics.

Metaphysical poetry was at its peak during the seventeenth century in England and continental Europe. The movement explored everything from irony to philosophy and conceits. It is for its complex and original conceits that most metaphysical poems are noted. During this period, poets relaxed their previously strict use of meter and explored new ideas. John Donne is the best-known of the metaphysical poets.

History of Metaphysical Poetry

The word “metaphysical” was used by writers such as John Dryden and Samuel Johnson in regard to the poets of the seventeenth century. 

These poets are noted for their “unnaturalness”. Johnson wrote in Lives of the Most Eminent Engish Poets in the late 1700s, that a “race of writers” had appeared that might be termed “metaphysical poets”. The term was likely taken from Dryden who had described John Donne as affecting “metaphysics” in his “satires” and his “amorous verses”. It was not until the twentieth century that many of these poets were adequately recognized for their talent and originality.

T.S. Eliot is one of the many twentieth-century literary critics who helped to establish the well-deserved reputation that writers such as John Donne and Andrew Marvell now hold. He applied many of their techniques to his own writing.

Who Were the Metaphysical Poets?

The best-known of the metaphysical poets is John Done. He is followed by others such as Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, and George Herbert. Donne is most often cited as the best of this shortlist of writers and the originator of the basic tenants of the genre. It is because of his writing that many writers who came after took on some or all of the features of metaphysical writing.

Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry

One of the most prominent characteristics of this movement is the spoken quality of the poetry, something that many other writers of that time did not approve of. Other common features include the use of colloquial diction, philosophical exploration, new and original conceits, irony, and the relaxed use of meter.

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