ENGL 10A: Literatures in English to 1700
Prof. Roe
Question: Explore the concept of the "metaphysical conceit" in the poetry of
John Donne, providing examples to illustrate how his unconventional
comparisons contribute to the exploration of love, religion, and human
experience.
Response: John Donne's poetry is renowned for its metaphysical
conceits—elaborate and unconventional comparisons. In poems like "The Flea"
and "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," Donne employs these conceits to
explore complex themes, such as love's transcendent nature and the spiritual
connection between lovers.
Question: Discuss the themes of individualism and self-exploration in
Renaissance lyric poetry, referencing works by Wyatt and Surrey to illustrate
how these poets contributed to the development of the self-reflective lyric.
Response: Renaissance lyric poets like Wyatt and Surrey played a crucial role in
the development of self-reflective poetry. Their works explore individual
experiences, emotions, and self-examination, contributing to the emergence of a
more introspective and personal lyric tradition.
