The similarities do you find between the metaphysical poets and modern poets
Question: What similarity do you find between the metaphysical poets and modern poets?
Introduction
T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) in his critical essay “The Metaphysical Poets” has shown the affinity between the metaphysical poets and the modern poets. He asserts that modern poetry is the result of metaphysical poetry. To put it differently, he is in the opinion that without the shadow of the metaphysical poets, modern poetry cannot get its way of improvement.
Variety and complexity
Variety and complexity have been the key fact against the metaphysical poets raised by Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784). It is in Johnson’s tongue:
“The most heterogeneous ideas are yoked by violence together”
But Eliot finds a great link between metaphysical poets and modern poets on a great variety of mood and complexity. Because juxtaposition is one of the significant features of modern poetry.
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The use of language
Eliot says that the poet must become more and more comprehensive, allusive, and indirect in order to force language into his meaning. Comprehensive, allusive, and indirect qualities of the metaphysical poets are produced by the use of conceits. And today, the name of conceits is changed into obscure words mingled with simple phrasing.
Other similarities
Besides these, we also find some other similarities which are as follow:
- The quality of transforming ideas into sensations
- Dramatic beginning
- Intellectual quality
Conclusion
To sum up, it can be said that Eliot has wanted to say that the modern poets are the perfect imitators of the metaphysical poets because modern poetry descends in a direct line to the metaphysical poets.
