English Literature

John Donne: A Love Poet John Donne is the centre of the metaphysical school of poetry. This school is known for its style. This style is marked by the use of conceits, wit, learning, elaboration and passionate thinking. John Donne is the founder of this school. Thus his poetry has all these qualities. His poetry falls into three divisions. Amorous poetry is one of them. John Donne is known as a great love poet. His love poems show his intense personal moods as a lover and analyst of his own experience. It is said that Donne was a frequent visitor of ladies. He developed love affairs and friendship with a number of women. He fell in love with Anne More and eloped with her and married. He was imprisoned for his love. His experience of love made him a great love poet. Thus his love poems are based not on conventions but on his own experience. John Donne has composed a number of love songs. They are intense and subtle analysis of lover's moods. They at times mingle with sensuality a...

John Donne: A Great Metaphysical Poet Introduction: John Donne is the leader and founder of the Metaphysical School of Poetry. His poetry is a revolt against the popular current. First of all Dryden used the term 'Metaphysical' for Donne's poetry. He said, 'Donne affects the metaphysics'. Later on Dr. Johnson called John Donne and his followers 'the metaphysical poets'. Since then the word metaphysical has been used for John Donne and his followers. What is Metaphysical Poetry? The term metaphysics means something supernatural and transcendental. Its sense is 'what is beyond physical'. It is concerned with fundamental problems of life and death and soul even after death. The term 'metaphysical poetry' means poetry dealing with metaphysical subjects. These subjects are - nature of universe, movements of stars and planets and the whole relationship of man to God. Major Characteristics: We should cast a glance at the major characteristics of met...

John Donne : An Introduction John Donne occupies a towering position in English literature as a pioneer who challenged conventional Elizabethan verse and reshaped the boundaries of lyric poetry. His work bridges the gap between raw emotion and rigorous intellectual argument, creating a distinct style that continues to captivate students and scholars alike. Born into the turbulent landscape of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, Donne lived during a period of massive scientific discovery and religious shifting . His contribution to English poetry lies in his refusal to follow the sweet, predictable patterns of courtly love poets like Petrarch . Instead, he introduced a bold, analytical approach that treated poetry as a medium for profound psychological and philosophical exploration. Born in London in 1572 to a devout Roman Catholic family , Donne experienced a life marked by both hardship and ambition. His mother, Elizabeth Heywood , was a descendant of the martyr Thom...

Metaphysical Poetry and Poets Metaphysical Poetry The term metaphysical may be applied to any poetry, which deals with spiritual or philosophical matters. But it is limited to the work of a group of poets of seventeenth century. Metaphysical poetry is a revolt against the popular current of the time. Among these poets John Donne is the most notable. Other so-called metaphysical poets were Cleveland, Cowley, Crawshaw, Herbert and Vaughan. In 17th century Dryden in his Discourse said that Donne affects the metaphysics. Later on Dr. Johnson borrowed this term from Dryden's phrase and used it for a group of 17th century poets. Dr. Johnson said, 'About the beginning of the 17th century appeared a race of writers that may be termed as metaphysical poets. They were men of learning. To show their learning was their whole endeavour. Their thoughts are often new but seldom natural. The heterogeneous ideas are yoked by violence together.' The following are the important character...