The Metaphysical Poets by T.S. Eliot Summary

T.S. Eliot’s Thoughts on “The Metaphysical Poets”

In his essay from 1921, T.S. Eliot discusses the anthology The Metaphysical Poets, compiled by Professor Grierson. Eliot explains that this collection is not just a gathering of poems but a critical tool that helps us understand what “metaphysical poetry” really is.

What is Metaphysical Poetry?

Eliot starts by pointing out how tricky it is to define “metaphysical poetry.” This term is used to describe a group of poets from the 17th century who are known for their complex and often elaborate use of metaphors and similes. These poets include John Donne, Andrew Marvell, and George Herbert. Their poetry can be confusing because it mixes different ideas and images in unusual ways. For example, Donne might compare lovers to a pair of compasses, or use a tear to represent the entire world.

Professor Grierson’s Anthology

Professor Grierson’s anthology is important because it brings together a range of poems from these poets, including some that are not widely known. Eliot appreciates this because it provides both familiar poems and new discoveries. However, Eliot believes that the anthology does more than just collect poems; it also serves as a form of criticism, challenging readers to think more deeply about what makes these poets unique.

Johnson’s Critique

Samuel Johnson, a famous critic, had a negative view of metaphysical poets. He said they often forced unrelated ideas together in a way that was more awkward than clever. Eliot argues that while Johnson’s criticism points out some valid issues, it doesn’t fully appreciate the poets’ creative achievements. Johnson focused mainly on poets like Cowley and Cleveland, who Eliot feels are not as representative of the whole group.

Comparison with Later Poets

Eliot contrasts metaphysical poets with later poets like Tennyson and Browning. He believes that the earlier poets had a more immediate and intense way of combining thoughts and feelings in their work. By the time of Tennyson and Browning, poetry had become more reflective and less directly engaging with deep, complex thoughts.

Influence of Milton and Dryden

Eliot suggests that the influence of Milton and Dryden, who were prominent poets in the 17th century, led to changes in poetry. Their grand and impressive style made later poets focus more on refined language rather than deep emotional expression. This shift meant that the nuanced and complex feelings of the metaphysical poets became less common.

Modern Comparisons

To show that metaphysical poetry is not just a historical curiosity, Eliot compares it to modern French poetry by Jules Laforgue and Tristan Corbiere. He finds similarities in how these modern poets blend ideas with feelings, much like the metaphysical poets did.

In the end, Eliot argues that we should appreciate the metaphysical poets for their unique contributions to poetry. They should not be dismissed as merely “quirky” or “difficult.” Instead, their work should be understood in its own context. Eliot believes that their poetry represents an important development in the history of English literature, and we should recognize both their strengths and their flaws.