Andrew Marvell and the Meaning of the Metaphysical Conceit

This lecture begins with a discussion of the metaphysical conceit, whose legitimacy is predicated on the microcosm/macrocosm analogy. That analogy is considered valid across cultures, but is most obvious and relevant to seventeenth-century literature in the cultures that are foundational to a Christian worldview. What a metaphysical conceit does differently than a typical microcosm/macrocosm analogy is to make an unlikely (indeed specious) comparison. The metaphysical conceit illustrates the breaking of the Medieval synthesis, and announces the beginning of a Western rationalism that is at odds with all metaphysics. ❤️ If you find my channel helpful, become a channel member:    / drscottmasson   ❤️ Subscribe to my Substack: https://drscottmasson.substack.com/ ❤️ Support my channel and assist me in providing better content: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/R9...