The Metaphysical Poets

Essay | T. S. Eliot
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Comparison between Metaphysical Poets and Modern Poets

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Make a comparison between Metaphysical Poets and Modern Poets.

Metaphysical poets like John Donne (1572-1631) and George Herbert (1593-1633) wrote poems long ago in the 17th century. Modern poets like T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) and Ezra Pound (1885-1972) came much later, in the 20th century. Even though these poets lived in different times, their poetry can still be compared. Both groups of poets think deeply and use interesting ideas, but they do so in different ways. Here are points that compare these poets.

Intellectual Complexity: Metaphysical poets are known for connecting thoughts and feelings. John Donne, in his poem “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” compares lovers to a pair of compasses. Donne says,

If they be two, they are two so

   As stiff twin compasses are two;

Thy soul, the fixed foot, makes no show

   To move, but doth, if the other do.

This shows how they mix idea
s and emotions. Modern poets also think deeply, but they often show confusion and chaos. In The Waste Land, T.S. Eliot writes, 

April is the cruellest month,

This shows how modern poets think about how life is difficult and broken.

Use of Conceits and Imagery: Metaphysical poets often use strange and creative comparisons called “Conceits.” For example, John Donne compares two lovers to two hemispheres in his poem “The Good Morrow”. Modern poets use interesting images too. In “A Station of the Metro,” Ezra Pound compares people in a crowd to 

Petals on a wet, black bough,

This shows how both types of poets use surprising pictures in their poems.

Themes of Religion and Spirituality: Metaphysical poets often wrote about God and faith. George Herbert’s poem “The Collar” talks about his feelings toward God. Modern poets also think about spiritual matters, but they are often unsure or doubtful. In “The Hollow Men”, T.S. Eliot shows how modern poets feel lost or unsure about life’s meaning.

Language and Simplicity: Metaphysical poets used simple language but complex ideas. John Donne’s words are easy to read, but the meaning is deep. Modern poets sometimes use more complicated or unclear language. Eliot said modern poetry must be “difficult” because the world is complicated.

In short, metaphysical poets and modern poets are different in many ways, but both groups are special because they mix deep thoughts with strong feelings. Even though they are different, both types of poets help us think more about life, love, and the world around us.

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from The Metaphysical Poets