Who coined the term metaphysical poets and what did it mean?

Who coined the term metaphysical poets and what did it mean?

• A. Dr. Samuel Johnson; describes a number of mainly 17th-century lyric poets who shared elements of content and style in common
• B. Samuel Taylor Coleridge; described the poets as romantics
• C. John Dryden; described the poets as classical
• D. Geoffrey Chaucer; described the poets as medieval lyricists

Answer: (A)

The label “metaphysical poets” was coined by Samuel Johnson. He used it to group a set of mainly 17th-century lyric poets who shared certain content and stylistic traits, especially a highly intellectual, argumentative tone and the use of elaborate, often surprising conceits that link abstract ideas with concrete images. In other words, these poets—Donne and his contemporaries—wrote poetry that fused keen wit, logical argument, and extended metaphors to explore spiritual and philosophical themes, rather than aiming for Romantic sentiment or classical simplicity. Johnson’s naming captures both the origin of the category and what the poets have in common in their work.

The label “metaphysical poets” was coined by Samuel Johnson. He used it to group a set of mainly 17th-century lyric poets who shared certain content and stylistic traits, especially a highly intellectual, argumentative tone and the use of elaborate, often surprising conceits that link abstract ideas with concrete images. In other words, these poets—Donne and his contemporaries—wrote poetry that fused keen wit, logical argument, and extended metaphors to explore spiritual and philosophical themes, rather than aiming for Romantic sentiment or classical simplicity. Johnson’s naming captures both the origin of the category and what the poets have in common in their work.