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,
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What are the influences of Milton and Dryden on the poets of the later ages? [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★ Or, What are the two effects of Milton and Dryden on the poets of the later ages that Eliot talks about? [NU: 2020]
T.S. Eliot (1888–1965) in “The Metaphysical Poets” (1921) explains the influence of John Milton (1608–1674) and John Dryden (1631–1700) on later English poetry. Eliot shows that their style enriched English verse but also weakened its inner unity. He uses the idea of “dissociation of sensibility” to explain their impact.
Great Style and Discipline: Milton and Dryden gave English poetry a noble style. Their verse showed harmony, order, and strength. Eliot notes,
“Each of these men performed certain poetic functions so magnificently well.”
Later poets admired and followed this powerful discipline of language.
Dissociation of Sensibility: Eliot argues they caused a break in poetry. Earlier poets like Donne felt ideas and emotions together. But Milton and Dryden separated thought from feeling. Language became refined, but feelings turned crude. This division shaped later poets deeply.
Rise of Prose And Reason: Their influence pushed poetry toward prose qualities. Their verse had regularity, logic, and balance. Eliot says that later poets gained “refined language” but lost “sensibility.” As a result, emotion and imagination grew weak in poetry.
Impact on Later Ages: Poets like Gray, Johnson, and Goldsmith followed them. They wrote polished verse but lacked deep passion. Eliot remarks,
“The feeling expressed in the Country Churchyard is cruder than that in the Coy Mistress.”
Even Tennyson and Browning showed this separation of thought and feeling.
In short, Milton and Dryden gave English poetry strength, style, and discipline. Yet, their impact produced a lasting dissociation of thought and emotion. Eliot shows that later poets became less complete because of their powerful but limiting influence.
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