Can someone explain the features of metaphysical poetry?
As the previous answer said, the conceit is a main feature of metaphysical poetry. This is rather like an extended metaphor. My favourite example is Donne’s “The Flea” where he uses a flea to explain why his mistress should sleep with him.You wouldn’t think of a flea having anything to do with sex, so it is a “discordant “image.However at this period, his audience would be well aware of fleas in their domestic life, so it’s an image they could relate to. The idea of “rhetoric”, the construction of an argument, was considered an academic discipline in those days.Metaphysical poets show off their cleverness by using imagery from different areas,(or branches of learning)classical society,politics,navigation, religion, philosophy (yes alchemy, if you like) and more everyday things, like fleas! The writing of Metaphysical poets is very self-conscious. I think what I’m saying is probably the same as your last respondent, but in simpler terms!
