The Most Famous Metaphysical Poet, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the metaphysical poet you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 27, 2024 07:49
Many have found themselves deep in the pages of poetry that delve into the complexities of existence, love, and spirituality. These poets, often grouped under the banner of 'metaphysical poetry', challenge the intellect and stir the soul with their profound explorations. Identifying which of these poets resonates most with contemporary readers assists in both appreciation and academic study.
By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic, current ranking that reflects collective preferences and interpretations. This ongoing interaction not only enhances the visibility of such poets but also enriches the community's engagement with literature. Every vote helps to shape a clearer understanding of whose words hold the most significance today.
Who Is the Most Famous Metaphysical Poet?
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178votes
John Donne
John Donne was an English poet, scholar, soldier, and secretary born into a Catholic family, a remnant of the Roman Catholic religion in England during the Elizabethan Era. Donne is considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. His works are noted for their strong, sensual style and include sonnets, love poems, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs, and sermons.- Notable Works: 'Death Be Not Proud', 'No Man is an Island', 'The Flea'
- Themes: Love, mortality, religion
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230votes
George Herbert
George Herbert was a Welsh-born poet, orator, and priest of the Church of England. Herbert's poetry is associated with the writings of the metaphysical poets, and he is recognized as one of the foremost British devotional lyricists. He is best known for his collection 'The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations'.- Notable Works: 'The Collar', 'Easter Wings', 'The Pulley'
- Themes: Faith, God's love, redemption
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324votes
Andrew Marvell
Andrew Marvell was an English metaphysical poet, satirist, and politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1659 and 1678. Today, he is best known for his poems of wit, his lyricism, and his criticism of tyranny. His most famous poem, 'To His Coy Mistress', is renowned for its wit and eloquence.- Notable Works: 'To His Coy Mistress', 'The Garden', 'Upon Appleton House'
- Themes: Time, love, nature
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413votes
Thomas Traherne
Thomas Traherne was an English poet, clergyman, theologian, and religious writer. Little known during his life, he became known after the manuscript discovery of his 'Centuries of Meditations' in the early 20th century. His poetry is marked by a sense of wonder at the beauty of creation and the goodness of God.- Notable Works: 'Centuries of Meditations', 'The Recovery'
- Themes: Innocence, divine presence, joy
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511votes
Abraham Cowley
Abraham Cowley was an English poet and essayist, who introduced the Pindaric ode to English literature. He was one of the leading poets of his time and is associated with the metaphysical poets. Cowley’s work is known for its blend of passion and intellect, and he was greatly admired by his contemporaries.- Notable Works: 'The Mistress', 'Pindarique Odes'
- Themes: Love, nature, philosophy
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65votes
Henry Vaughan
Henry Vaughan was a Welsh author, physician, and metaphysical poet. Vaughan and his twin brother, Thomas, were the children of Thomas Vaughan and Denise Morgan. His work is marked by a profound religiosity, deep reflection on nature, and the influence of the Welsh landscape and spirituality.- Notable Works: 'The Retreat', 'The World', 'They Are All Gone into the World of Light'
- Themes: Spirituality, nature, death
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72votes
Richard Crashaw
Richard Crashaw was an English poet, styled 'the divine', and known for his high baroque, deeply religious poetry. He was associated with the metaphysical poets, and his work is characterized by intense devotion and vivid imagery. His best-known work is 'Steps to the Temple'.- Notable Works: 'The Flaming Heart', 'To the Name above Every Name, the Name of Jesus'
- Themes: Religious fervor, divine love, martyrdom
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80votes
John Cleveland
John Cleveland was an English poet who supported the Royalist cause in the English Civil War. His poetry is characterized by its wit, elaborate metaphors, and a strong satirical vein. Cleveland is remembered for his forceful expressions and contributions to the body of metaphysical poetry.- Notable Works: 'The Rebel Scot', 'Fuscara, or the Bee Errant'
- Themes: Politics, satire, loyalty
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90votes
Thomas Carew
Thomas Carew was an English poet and one of the leading Cavalier poets of the 17th century. Carew is known for his witty, elegant, and sometimes licentious verse. He was a courtier of Charles I and his poetry reflects the values and tastes of the Caroline court.- Notable Works: 'The Rapture', 'To His Mistress'
- Themes: Love, beauty, courtly manners
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100votes
Robert Southwell
Robert Southwell was an English Roman Catholic priest of the Jesuit order. He was also a poet, missionary, and clandestine missionary in post-Reformation England. Southwell is known for his religious poetry, which combines a deep spirituality with the metaphysical exploration of the human condition.- Notable Works: 'The Burning Babe', 'Times Go by Turns'
- Themes: Faith, martyrdom, divine love
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous metaphysical poet. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Metaphysical poet is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
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- 1999 views
- 163 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Metaphysical poet once every 24 hours. The rank of each Metaphysical poet is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Famous Metaphysical Poet
Rank #1 for the most famous metaphysical poet: John Donne (Source)
Metaphysical poetry emerged in the 17th century. It is known for its complex themes and inventive style. The poets of this movement explored topics like love, religion, and existence. They used clever metaphors and unusual comparisons, often called conceits. These poets challenged traditional poetic forms and ideas.
Metaphysical poets often wrote about the nature of reality. They questioned what is real and what is illusion. They also explored the relationship between the physical and the spiritual. Their work reflects a deep interest in philosophy and science. This was a time of great change in these fields, and the poets were keen observers.
The style of metaphysical poetry is distinctive. It is marked by its intellectual playfulness. The poets used paradoxes and puns to express their ideas. They also employed a conversational tone, which was different from the more formal style of earlier poets. This made their work more personal and engaging.
Imagery in metaphysical poetry is striking. The poets used vivid and often surprising images to convey their thoughts. They drew on a wide range of sources, including religion, mythology, and everyday life. This gave their work a rich and varied texture.
The structure of metaphysical poems is often irregular. The poets broke away from traditional forms and experimented with new ones. They used varied line lengths and rhythms to create a more dynamic and expressive style. This reflected their desire to capture the complexity of their subjects.
One of the key features of metaphysical poetry is its use of conceits. These are extended metaphors that link two very different things. The poets used conceits to explore abstract ideas in concrete terms. This made their work both intellectually challenging and accessible.
The themes of metaphysical poetry are diverse. Love is a central theme, but it is often explored in unconventional ways. The poets wrote about both the physical and spiritual aspects of love. They also examined the nature of time and mortality. Their work reflects a deep awareness of the transience of life.
Religion is another important theme. The poets grappled with questions of faith and doubt. They explored the relationship between humans and the divine. Their work often reflects a sense of spiritual longing and uncertainty.
Metaphysical poetry had a lasting impact on English literature. It influenced later poets and continues to be studied and admired. Its blend of intellectual rigor and emotional depth makes it unique. The poets' willingness to experiment with form and content set them apart from their contemporaries.
In summary, metaphysical poetry is a rich and complex tradition. Its poets were innovators who pushed the boundaries of what poetry could be. They combined intellectual inquiry with emotional intensity. Their work remains a testament to the power of language to explore the deepest questions of human existence.
Metaphysical poets often wrote about the nature of reality. They questioned what is real and what is illusion. They also explored the relationship between the physical and the spiritual. Their work reflects a deep interest in philosophy and science. This was a time of great change in these fields, and the poets were keen observers.
The style of metaphysical poetry is distinctive. It is marked by its intellectual playfulness. The poets used paradoxes and puns to express their ideas. They also employed a conversational tone, which was different from the more formal style of earlier poets. This made their work more personal and engaging.
Imagery in metaphysical poetry is striking. The poets used vivid and often surprising images to convey their thoughts. They drew on a wide range of sources, including religion, mythology, and everyday life. This gave their work a rich and varied texture.
The structure of metaphysical poems is often irregular. The poets broke away from traditional forms and experimented with new ones. They used varied line lengths and rhythms to create a more dynamic and expressive style. This reflected their desire to capture the complexity of their subjects.
One of the key features of metaphysical poetry is its use of conceits. These are extended metaphors that link two very different things. The poets used conceits to explore abstract ideas in concrete terms. This made their work both intellectually challenging and accessible.
The themes of metaphysical poetry are diverse. Love is a central theme, but it is often explored in unconventional ways. The poets wrote about both the physical and spiritual aspects of love. They also examined the nature of time and mortality. Their work reflects a deep awareness of the transience of life.
Religion is another important theme. The poets grappled with questions of faith and doubt. They explored the relationship between humans and the divine. Their work often reflects a sense of spiritual longing and uncertainty.
Metaphysical poetry had a lasting impact on English literature. It influenced later poets and continues to be studied and admired. Its blend of intellectual rigor and emotional depth makes it unique. The poets' willingness to experiment with form and content set them apart from their contemporaries.
In summary, metaphysical poetry is a rich and complex tradition. Its poets were innovators who pushed the boundaries of what poetry could be. They combined intellectual inquiry with emotional intensity. Their work remains a testament to the power of language to explore the deepest questions of human existence.
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