Comment on Dr Johnson's attitude to using conceits in metaphysical poetry from your reading of The Life of Crowley Or Comment on Dr Johnson's attitude to using conceits in metaphysical poetry from your reading of The Life of Cowley Samuel Johnson - was an English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a literary critic and biographer In The Life of Crowley Dr Johnson presents a critical and skeptical attitude toward the use of conceits in metaphysical poetry Conceits are Strained and Far-Fetched Johnson criticizes the metaphysical poets for their excessive use of conceits and metaphysical conceits He describes the metaphysical conceits as strained and far-fetched He claims that such devices can hinder the reader's understanding and enjoyment He says about the conceits The most heterogeneous ideas are yoked by violence together nature and art are ransacked for illustrations comparisons and allusions Excessive Intellectual Cleverness Johnson argues that