Discuss Andrew Marvell as a Metaphysical Poet

Andrew Marvell as a Metaphysical Poet

Metaphysical poetry is a revolt against the Elizabethan poetry of conventional form and theme. By metaphysical poetry we mean that type of new school of poetry which implies some salient characteristics (of abrupt and striking beginning, complexity, dramatic quality, blending of passion and intellectuality, argument and wit, conceits and images, philosophic and reflective tone, the use of colloquial language etc.) To justify Marvell as a true metaphysical poet, we should discuss the various aspects that we find in his representative poems especially in ‘To His Coy Mistress’ and ‘The Definition of Love’.

 

The abrupt and striking beginning is a common aspect of metaphysical poetry that we find in Marvell’s poetry. Such kind of abrupt beginning must arrest the attention of the readers instantly to go into the depth of the theme. Let us quote the beginning two lines from ‘To His Coy Mistress’:

Had we but world enough and Time,/This coyness Lady were no crime.’

Another aspect of metaphysical poetry is the use of colloquial language in a dramatic tone and Marvell’s poetry is no exception. He uses the familiar and simple conversational style of language very effectively.

Another important aspect of Marvell’s metaphysical poetry is the argumentative presentation. To express their spiritual love which has separated two lovers, Marvel has shown some argument in the following lines of ‘The Definition of love’:

‘As lines so loves oblique may well/Themselves in every Angle greet: But ours so truly parallel,/Through infinite can never meet’.

The fusion between passion and intellect is a fundamental aspect of metaphysical poetry and Marvell’s poetry must bear this testimony. In ‘The Definition of Love’, the emotion is expressed in an intellectual manner. The following lines are very much apt to this context:

Therefore the love which us doth bind/But Fate so enviously debars

Is the conjunction of the mind,/And opposition of the Stars’.

This blending of emotion and thought is vividly revealed in the poem ‘To His Coy Mistress’. In this poem the poet becomes deeply passionate in his expression of physical love in praising his beloved’s beauty and convincing her to enjoy sexual ecstasy with him but the whole poem is based upon logically developed lines of reasoning and argument.

Metaphysical conceits and wits are the most striking aspect of metaphysical poetry. Marvell has shown his marvelous skill in the use of far-fetched images, wits and conceits. The poem ‘The Definition of Love’ abounds in wits and conceits. For example:

‘It was begotten by Despair/Upon Impossibility’.

One of the finest conceits of Marvell is found in ‘To His Coy Mistress’ where he compares his love thus: 

   

               ‘My vegetable love should grow/Vaster than                   Empire, and more slow’

According to the above discussion there is no denying the fact that Marvell is a metaphysical poet.

 

You Can also Read:

• Consider Herbert as a Religious or Metaphysical Poet

• Donne as a Love Poet

• Critically Examine Dr. Johnson’s Account of Metaphysical Poetry in Life of Cowley

• Donne as a Metaphysical Poet

• Marvell’s Attitude to Love