How does Eliot justify that the Elizabethan and the Jacobean poets were intelligent and the later poets were reflective?
The Metaphysical Poets is a notable literary work by T. S. Eliot. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Metaphysical Poets.
Answer
How does Eliot justify that the Elizabethan and the Jacobean poets were intelligent and the later poets were reflective? [NU: 2019, 22]
T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) was a famous modern critic and poet. His essay, “The Metaphysical Poets,” was published in 1921. Eliot writes about changes in English poetry. He says Elizabethan and Jacobean poets were intelligent. Later poets became merely reflective, rather than truly intelligent. This essay helps us understand the history of poetry. Eliot’s ideas show how poetry styles changed over time. Let us discuss this in detail.
True Intelligence in Early Poets: Eliot calls Elizabethan and Jacobean poets intelligent. They joined thoughts and feelings in poems. Each poem revealed a deep thought and natural emotion. Eliot writes that these poets were special. In his words,
“The poets of the seventeenth century… possessed a mechanism of sensibility which could devour any kind of experience.”
This quote means they used every life experience. They made any thought into strong poetry. Both heart and mind worked together. Their poems felt rich and alive. This skill gave their poetry power.
Donne’s Unique Sensibility: John Donne is Eliot’s main example. His poetry closely connects mind and emotion. When Donne thought, he also felt deeply. His ideas were not just cold thoughts. Eliot proves this when he says,
“A thought to Donne was an experience; it modified his sensibility.”
This quote shows Donne lived his thoughts. His feelings changed with every new idea. He never separated thought from emotion. Donne’s poetry was full of life and energy. Every metaphor and image had a feeling inside. Eliot calls this true poetic intelligence. Donne’s way makes poems rich and interesting. His ability brings poetry closer to the reader’s life.
Later Poets Became More Reflective: Eliot notes that later poets, such as Tennyson and Browning, underwent significant changes. They only used thought, not feeling. Their poetry became too cold and distant. Eliot shows this clear difference. He writes,
“They think; but they do
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