Metaphysical Tradition: From Donne To Eliot

Metaphysical poetry of the seventeenth century shares an interest in metaphysical concerns and is characterized by inventiveness of wit. Samuel Johnson uses the term of metaphysical poets while it does not necessarily imply that he intends to use metaphysical in its true sense. Instead, he is referring to a'witticism'represented by John Donne.As seen as the originality of metaphysical poets of the seventeenth century, Donne's capacity in employing metaphysical wit has been widely admired by critics and poets even though different voices are still found in Addison's essays on'mixed wit'and'false wit'and Johnson's essay on Cowley.Modern literature has witnessed its significant revival in the twentieth century. As showing defense to romanticism and skepticism to social disorders, Eliot expressed his admiration to the metaphysical wit of Donne and his way to seek to human beings'existence in space.This study includes the lyrics analysis of both Donne and Eliot with the support of theory analysis related to metaphysical poetry and tradition. It attempts to examine how Eliot developed his own interpretation of metaphysical poetry and made the combination of'tradition'and'innovation'.