The Ecstasy: Donne’s use of metaphysical conceit in the poem

The Ecstasy: Donne’s use of metaphysical conceit in the poem

Q. What is Metaphysical Conceit? How does Donne make use of metaphysical conceit in the poem ‘The Ecstasy’?

Metaphysical Conceit is a special type of ornamentation. It is a long and complex metaphor. It compared two completely different and unusual objects or ideas. This comparison is not ordinary. It reflects rationality and intellectualism.

Metaphysical poets usually connect deep philosophers and spiritual things to everyday things. Poets like John Donne, Andrew Marvel, and Henry Vaughan are prominent names of metaphysical poetry.

John Donne's poem 'The ECSTASY' used metaphysical conscience 'The Ecstasy' is a famous poem by John Donne. In this, he has deeply considered love, soul, and physical relationship. In this poem, he has made a very beautiful and effective use of metaphysical consciousness.

1. Imagine the union of the soul

In the poem, the lover and girlfriend sit calm near each other. They do not say anything, but their souls communicate. Donne is called "Spiritual Ecstasy". He considers the body to be a medium, a source of real love to the soul. This is a deep and philosophical idea. Here the union of souls is described as a pure and superior state.

2. To show love like a medicine

At one place, Donne describes love as a medicine. Just as a medicine cures the sick, so love purifies the soul. It is also a metaphysical conceit - where love is compared to medicine. This comparison is unusual, but deep. This shows that Donne's love is not only physical, but also spiritual.

3. The union of two souls is like a vein

Donne’s connect the union of two souls to the veins of "Violet". He says that as the flower veins are attached, the souls also get involved. Here is a beautiful and complex metaphor-which shows that the relationship of lover-girlfriend is not only physical, but also spiritual.

4. Relationship between body and soul

Donne says that the soul cannot do anything alone. He needs the body for expression. They say that body is a medium to bring the language of love to the world. Here the body is called "Soul's Book". It is also a metaphysical conceit - where the body is called the book of the soul.

5. Scientific comparison of love

Donne also uses scientific words and ideas many times. For example, he connects love to alchemy. They say that as chemicals make pure metals, love purifies the soul. This comparison connects love to the process of a laboratory, which is specific and intellectual.

In 'The ECSTASY', Donne has highly used metaphysical conscience. They have given deep meanings by connecting love, soul, body, science, and nature together. Their comparison is not normal. They are strange but impressive. That is why John Donne is called the main poet of metaphysical poetry. In this poem, a message has been given through metaphysical conceit that true love is the union of the soul, which appears in the world with the help of body.

*****

👉 An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot | Pope’s use of imagery

👉 The Canonization | Short Questions and Answers

👉 The Good Morrow | Critical appraisal

👉 The Good Morrow | as a metaphysical poem

👉 The Canonization | dramatic situation

👉 The Flea by John Donne | as a metaphysical poem