The Jacobean Age The Metaphysical Poets pages 263-264

1. The Jacobean AgeThe Metaphysical Poets pages 263-264

2. John Donne and the 17th C poets wrote in a style called METAPHYSICAL POETRY Lit terms booklet: • #58: Metaphysical: Poetry that speculates on the basic principles governing realms of knowledge and being. Fond of displaying obscure and specialized learning in their poems. Characterized by verbal wit and excess, ingenious structure, irregular meter, colloquial (informal/common) language, elaborate imagery and drawing together of dissimilar ideas • #59: Meter: A generally regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry • Metaphysical poets rediscovered in the 20th century after being relatively obscure and unread after the 18th C.

3. #19: Conceits: Used by metaphysical poets. Expresses an elaborate intellectualized image • Metaphysical poets used paradox a lot • Rhythms reflect the irregular and unpredictable movements of an active mind • Used religious images and human love as a topics

4. John Donne 1572-1631 • Metaphysical poet • When young, wrote many love poems • When older, became eloquent preacher • Family was wealthy, Catholic • Well educated—studied law • Charmed court of Queen Elizabeth • Good soldier and adventurer in expeditions with Sir Walter Raleigh and Earl of Essex • Private secretary to Sir Thomas Egerton--high official position • Secretly married 16 yr old Ann More Lady Egerton’s niece • Donne dismissed from office and fired from his position at court • Donne returned to the church • Successful as religious thinker and preacher • Poetry and sermons show a man capable of complex thought and eloquent communication