Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 17 AIL 1635 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Trap: The Conceit Read as Decoration
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The idea
A metaphysical conceit is doing a step of a proof, not ornamenting a feeling. Unit seven established that Donne's compasses argue for constancy. An option calling such an image merely decorative has misread what the period used images for.
In practice
The image is a step in a proof.
Where people slip
Not ornament, argument.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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