Literary Movements: Part 4

 Metaphysical Poets: Acclaimed English writer and critic Samuel Johnson, in his book "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" coined the term 'Metaphysical Poets ' to denote a group of 17th century British poets whose poetry explored the philosophical & spiritual world going beyond the physical reality. With the use of complex paradoxes, metaphysical conceits, witty language blending logic and emotion together these poets  truly pushed the limits of poetic expression and despite Johnson's initial criticism the term has become a celebrated label for this group. 

Popularly known as 'Metaphysical poetry' ; their works majorly deal with the themes of love, religion, political satire, death  and human experiences, often making comparisons between two seemingly unrelated & far-fetched things that surprise the readers.

Prominent members of this group are:

           John Donne : 'The Good-Morrow' , 'The Sun-                                                Rising','The Canonization' .

          Andrew Marvel : 'To His Coy Mistress' , 'The                                                      Garden', 'On Mr. Milton's                                                      Paradise Lost' .

          Abraham Cowley : 'Poetical Blossomes' , 'The                                                       Mistress', 'Poems'

          George Herbert :  'The Altar', 'The Temple ' ,                                                       'The Pulley' , 'Love'

          Henry Vaughan: 'The Retreat, 'The Relapse',                                                    'The Revival', 'Peace

          Richard Crashew : 'The Flaming Heart' , 'Steps                                                   to the Temple', 'The Delights                                                 of the Muses'

          Thomas Carew :   'A Prayer to the Wind',                                                          'Mediocrity in Love Rejected '

          John Cleveland : ' The Rebel Scot' , 'An Elegy on                                                  Ben Jonson ' , ' The Scots                                                       Apostasie' 

 

Amatory Fiction : Often considered as the precursor of the English novels ; more accurately Restoration romances, this genre of literary works became popular in the late 17th century. It served as a vehicle to explore societal truths focusing on the themes of female desires, male lust, seduction and the challenges women face in navigating  relationships in a patriarchal society. 

This form emerged with the works of three most influential women witers of the time who are collectively & honorably referred to as 'The Fair Triumvirate of Wit' , a phrase coined by Rev. James Sterling to acknowledge their creative excellence. This trio includes :

              Eliza Heywood : 'The Unfortunate Mistress ' ,                                                'Fantomina', ' Love in Excess'

              Aphra Behn :  'The Rover', ' The Dutch Lover,                                              'Oroonoko'

               

              Delarivier Manley : 'The Adventures of                                                                    Rivella' , 'The New                                                                   Atalantis'            

        

                                            - Advika's

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Check out the earlier parts: 

Literary Movements Notes