Vaughan is generally regarded as a metaphysical poet and "The World" is a prime example of the kind of poetry normally associated with the so-called Metaphysical School. Metaphysical poetry was renowned for expressing often complex theological, scientific, and philosophical ideas in elaborately constructed verse. And in "The World," Vaughan presents us with a poetic vision replete with the themes of salvation and eternal life.

In "The World," Vaughan shows us how a merely earthly life cannot bring us true happiness. Instead, we must look to eternity as represented by the striking image of a large, bright ring of light:

I saw Eternity the other night,

Like a great ring of pure and endless light,

All calm, as it was bright;