Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 7 AIL 0653 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Metaphysical Manner
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The idea
The glossary names the metaphysical poets in its conceit entry. Their manner is argumentative: a poem states a position and proves it with an elaborated image. Recognising that a Donne poem is arguing rather than describing changes what its figures are for.
In practice
The poem argues; the image proves.
Where people slip
Donne describes less than he argues.
Your place on the trail
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