English Literature / Unit 2 ENL 0102 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Conceit and the Metaphysical Conceit
Captions available
The idea
A conceit is an unusually ingenious or elaborate metaphor, often extended at length with many points of contact between tenor and vehicle. It is common in the metaphysical poets, such as John Donne, who compares two parted lovers to "stiff twin compasses," one foot fixed, one moving.
In practice
One comparison, worked out at length.
Where people slip
The surprise of the comparison is the point.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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