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   jgomezada Teacher
   College - Freshman

   eNotes Editor

   Metaphysical poetry, a term coined by Samuel Johnson, has its roots in 17th-century England. This type of poetry is witty, ingenious, and highly philosophical. It topics included love, life and existence. It used literary elements of similes, metaphors, imagery, paradoxes, conceit, and far-fetched views of reality.

   John Donne is regarded as the “leading poet” of this highly intellectual form of poetry. Donne was influenced by the belief that the precision of beauty in the adored (loved one) behaved as a commemoration of ideal beauty in the everlasting kingdom (heaven). He also used unconventional and colloquial rhythm and tone, which was highly contrary to the Elizabethan poetry style.

   Sources:

   http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/metaphysical

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphysical_poets

   http://www.answers.com/topic/metaphysical-poets

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   Posted by jgomezada on Wednesday April 15, 2009 at 10:19 AM