From the great expressionists and the literary accomplishments of 16th century English Literature a new breed of poets were born. Known as the Metaphysical Poets; English lyric poets of the 17th century had many achievements. Their poems are known for metaphysical arrogance; a figure of speech that employs unusual and paradoxical images, an intellectual wit, learned imagery and subtle argument. Although their mixed methods were by no means new, these men brought new life into English poetry by the freshness and originality of their approach; and that is why the sentiments and accomplishments of the Metaphysical Poets deserves much mention.
The Sentiments of the Metaphysical Poets are all similar and draw many comparisons. Most importantly, all of the poems from these authors share common characteristics. Wit, inventiveness, and an elaborate use of literary devices and stylistic maneuvers hallmark their work. Their pieces are highly intellectual and philosophical; often the subjects of their works were metaphysical concerns, relating to issues beyond what is perceptible to the senses. These poets would often investigate the world expressing reason and passion and stressed the unification of thought and feeling; these works" discussed the entire experience of man; "The poets of the seventeenth century, the successors of the dramatists of the sixteenth, possessed a mechanism of sensibility which could devour any kind of experience (T.S. Elliot, The Metaphysical Poets).".
For Century's the works of the Metaphysical Poets went unappreciated, unread and ignored. By critics they were thought of as lyrical showboats; it was until the early twentieth century that these great artists were fully acknowledged. Due largely to the promotion of these works by T.S. Elliot's the accomplishments of the Metaphysical Poets are greatly admired. They drew comparisons with human love and religious experience, and dramatically wrote on both topics.
