John Donne, Metaphysical Poems

John Donne's metaphysical poetry marks a frontier of sorts. Writing at the time of Shakespeare, it acknowledges both the colonization of the Americas, a whole new world previously unknown to the West, and the acceptance of a new cosmology. It also acknowledges a 'new philosophy', the one posed by Descartes' method of doubt. The impulse of every intellectual was to connect all things to the hand of God, and relate them all together. But how should the poet unite discordant and contrary theories? Through the use of metaphysical conceit, paradox, wit, and various linguistic tropes. The enormous richness of the intellectual task of responding to the 'new philosophy' of doubt makes the literature of the period a jewel that still sparkles. ❤️ If you find my channel helpful, become a channel member:    / drscottmasson