Study notes on Metaphysical Poetry.

(from a variety of sources)
Metaphysical Poetry
Metaphysical poetry arose as a reaction to the extremes of Petrarchism; one problem with Petrarchan poems is a kind of predictability-the conceit is found, presented, & elaborated, but there are few subsequent surprises. Donne and his followers like to catch us off-guard, change direction, etc., to foil expectations. Metaphysical poetry is, in general, characterized by its ingenuity, intellectuality, and frequent obscurity.
In terms of subject matter, metaphysicals reject not only Petrarchan rhetoric but also the pose of abject worship…