Compare and contrast between Metaphysical poems and Cavalier poems.

Compare and contrast between Metaphysical poems and Cavalier poems.

Metaphysical poetry and Cavalier poetry are two prevailing schools in the 17^th century English literature. Though they share some similarity in terms of theme, such as the theme of carpe diem, Latin word for “seize the day”, as can be seen in Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress and Robert Herrick’s To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time，the two schools differ distinctly with respect to stylistics.

In the first place, unlike Cavalier poets who used regular rhythmic patterns, Metaphysical poets usually shunned regular meter or rhyme schemes. Besides, while the subject matter of Cavalier poems are usually revolved around romantic love, Metaphysical poems focus more on philosophical and spiritual concerns, such as John Donne’s later sacred verses and George Herbert’s The Temple: Sacred poems and private ejaculations.

However, the most striking difference between the two schools is their use of rhetorical devices. While Cavalier poets tend to use simple, straightforward language and meter to create graceful language, Metaphysical poets use irony, paradox, and conceit, the latter frequently employing striking comparisons of dissimilar things and often far-fetched to the point of eccentricity.

For instance, in Ben Jonson’ Song: To Celia, Jonson includes conventional imagery, such as eyes, roses, and wine to extol the immortality of love. “Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I’ll not look for wine.” The poem is typically short, aim for brevity and elegance, and easy to understand...........................................................................

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