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English Literature

The Post- Renaissance Period (c. 1625- c. 1660)

„« Metaphysical poetry:

ƒæ Rational thinking influences literature; in poetry „³close unity of emotion and logical thought
ľ Master of metaphysical poetry: John Donne (1572- 1631), also George Herbert (1593-1633)
ľ Use of conceits: a surprising comparison worked out in great detail
ƒÐ Are unusual and unexpected comparisons
ƒÐ May seem far fetched, but actually express the meaning of the poet in a forceful and logical way
ƒÐ E.g. John Donne compares a pair of lovers to a pair of compasses. Even if the points are apart, they are still connected, and they are leaning against each other.

„« John Milton (1608- 1674), one of England¡¦s greatest poets of all times, writes his early poems in this period. E.g. Ode on the Morning of Christ¡¦s Nativity, L¡¦Allegro, Il Penseroso. On Shakespeare shows the influence of metaphysical poetry. His greatest work Paradise Lost is written in the next period The Age of Reasons.
„« No metaphors like in the renaissance
„« Drama declines rapidly; the Puritan government disapproves of it and closes the theatres in 1642.

Holy Sonnet by John Donne, 1633
ľ Identify these lines
The complete poem of Holy Sonnet by John Donne
ľ Classify on form and contents
Contents: lyrical and reflective
Form: ¡K¡K¡K sonnet
ľ General meaning
The poet challenges God to use force against him so as to renew him and make him God¡¦s servant.
ľ Written in what form
In the form of a prayer
ľ Contains: 4 paradoxes, 3 conceits
ƒæ State of mind of the poet: He¡¦s desperate

On Shakespeare by John Milton, 1630
ľ Identify these lines
The complete poem of On Shakespeare by John Milton
ľ Classify on form and contents
Contents: reflective and...

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