Metaphysical Poetry Project Guidelines
Here are the writers, followed by a link that will take you to one (there are many) website where you
can find their poetry:








John Donne (1572–1631) http://www.sonnets.org/donne.htm (I recommend his Holy Sonnets and
hymns. Some of his love poetry can be immoral; Donne appears to have been a bit rowdy in his preconversion days.)
George Herbert (1593–1633) http://www.sonnets.org/herbert.htm (I recommend poetry from his
collection entitled The Temple, but it is all wonderful. Check out some of his shaped poems.)
Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) http://www.poemhunter.com/andrew-marvell/
Abraham Cowley (1618–1667) http://www.poemhunter.com/abraham-cowley/
Saint Robert Southwell (c. 1561–1595) http://www.poemhunter.com/robert-southwell/poems/
Richard Crashaw (c. 1613–1649) http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38549/38549-h/38549-h.htm
Thomas Traherne (1636 or 1637 – 1674) http://www.poemhunter.com/thomas-traherne/
Henry Vaughan (1622–1695) http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/vaughan/vaughbib.htm
1. In your own words, define what “metaphysical” means. Feel free to use online sources, but don’t
plagiarize. What does it mean to be a metaphysical poet? Work into your definition some
information about dates, topics/themes, characteristics, key figures, literary devices. Consider
how metaphysical poetry differs from other types/periods of poetry (for example Shakespeare’s
poetry or the later poetry of the Romantic period). Answer in exactly 100 words.
2. Annotate each of the 10 poems that you choose. I am looking for three main items in your
annotation. First, point out the metaphysical conceit. Then, focus on diction and style:
denotation and connotation of key words; tone; imagery; allusion; sound. “How does one
perform that task?” you ask.
A. Use your online dictionary to appreciate diction fully.
1. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/
2. http://dictionary.reference.com/
B. See these websites for style helps:
1. http://teachers.lakesideschool.org/us/english/ErikChristensen/WRITING%20STR
ATEGIES/LiteraryStyles.htm
2. http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson209/definitio
n_style.pdf
C. For help with metaphysical conceits, see this link and then follow it to other sites if
you wish -- http://www.poetryfoundation.org/learning/glossary-term/Conceit
3. Write a 300-500 word essay telling what you learned about style and diction in metaphysical
poetry. I want you to apply what you have learned as you are writing the essay. So, in a sense, this is
a metacognitive essay because you will talk about and demonstrate your understanding of style and
diction. If you are running short on ideas, look at the following two websites:
A. http://www.crossref-it.info/articles/355/Metaphysical-poetry-worksheet-downloads
B. http://library.thinkquest.org/23846/writing_guide/poetry.html
4. Choose a poem written after the metaphysical period that would qualify as a metaphysical poem.
Just copy the poem and tell why it is metaphysical.
Grading Rubric
Definition of Metaphysical Poetry (100-word précis):
Annotation of 10 poems focusing on diction and style (10 X 5 pts/ea.)
Choose a poem from different (later) period that is metaphysical
300-500 word essay
Due on Tuesday, December 2, 2013.
10 points
50 points
5 points
25 Points