John Donne: Metaphysical Poetry’s Master of Wit and Emotion
Posted on Aug 3, 2024 in Music
Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry
Metaphysical poetry, a term coined by Samuel Johnson, refers to a group of 17th-century British poets known for their metaphysical concerns and inventive use of metaphor. Its characteristics include:
– Figurative language style
– Powerful and intellectual wit and humor
– Far-fetched or unusual similes or metaphors
Donne’s Reliance on Imagery and Symbolism
One of the main characteristics of Donne’s poetry is its reliance on bizarre and unexpected imagery and symbolism. Some of his most striking examples include:
– Blood and the flea: Blood symbolizes life and various experiences, from erotic passion to religious devotion. In”The Flea” a flea draws blood from both lovers, symbolizing their union and the potential for sexual involvement.
– Discovery and Conquest: In”The Sun Rising” Donne expresses indifference towards voyages and discoveries, preferring to seek adventure in the company of his beloved.
– Degradation of Death: In”Death Be Not Proud” Donne diminishes the power of Death, asserting that it is a”slave of Fate, Time, Grace, and desperate men”
Comparison of”The Canonizatio” and”The Sun Risin”
Similarities:
– Love is a central theme.
Differences:
– The speaker is annoyed by the sun, which interrupts his night with his lover. The tone is playful, joyous, and cheeky.
– The speaker discusses the eternity of love and critiques materialistic society. The tone is passionate and intellectual.
The Role of Wit and Humor in Donne’s Poems
Wit and humor play a significant role in Donne’s poems, as they are closely related to the intellectual humor and wit characteristic of metaphysical poetry. Some examples include:- The irrelevance of time
– The sun as an intruder
– The maneuver of the flea
– The way of seducing his lover through the bite of a flea
– Religious allusions
– The powerless death
– The need for changing old philosophy and the worldDonne’s Achievement in”Death Be Not Prou”
In”Death Be Not Proud” Donne mocks Death, asserting its powerlessness and irrelevance. He argues that Death is controlled by Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men. The final verse,”And death shall be no more; death, thou art shall die” emphasizes the ultimate defeat of Death.Donne’s Degradation of Death in”Death Be Not Prou”
Donne degrades Death by using powerful intellectual wits, such as comparing it to a slave. He diminishes its effects and power, emphasizing its irrelevance. The oxymoron of the”Death of Deat” further highlights this degradation.The First Anniversary: An Attack on the State of the World
In”The First Anniversary” Donne suggests that the world, religion, and old philosophy are no longer functional and need to be changed. He presents a series of allegorical representations of Wisdom, expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of the world.Donne’s Blending of Intellect and Emotion
Donne’s poetry is a powerful blend of intellect and emotion. He uses vivid imagery and intellectual wit to explore themes of love, death, and religion. His works are characterized by their jagged rhythms, which resemble casual speech.Donne is considered a master of the metaphysical conceit, an extended metaphor that combines two vastly different ideas into a single idea. His conceits often involve unusual or far-fetched comparisons, such as the equation of lovers with saints in”The Canonization”Donne’s works are also witty, employing paradoxes, puns, and subtle analogies. His pieces are often ironic and cynical, especially regarding love and human motives.
