3.4 Edward Taylor's Metaphysical Poetry

Metaphysical poetry brought complex ideas to Puritan literature. It used elaborate metaphors and wordplay to explore deep religious themes. This style, exemplified by Edward Taylor, added intellectual depth to spiritual topics.

Taylor's work stands out among Puritan poets. He used intricate conceits and paradoxes to examine faith, sin, and salvation. His poems offer a unique blend of wit and devotion, setting him apart from contemporaries like Anne Bradstreet and Michael Wigglesworth.

Metaphysical Poetry and Edward Taylor

Characteristics of metaphysical poetry

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• Emerged in the 17th century England
• Characterized by complex and elaborate conceits (extended metaphors comparing seemingly unrelated objects or ideas)
• Employs wit, paradox (seemingly contradictory statements revealing deeper truths), and intellectual reasoning
• Explores profound themes of love, religion, and the nature of the universe
• Exemplified by poets such as John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell

Conceit and paradox in Taylor's work

• Conceit: extended metaphor comparing two seemingly unrelated objects or ideas
  • "Huswifery" compares the soul to a spinning wheel and God to a weaver
  • "Meditation 1" likens the soul to a bird and Christ to a nest
• Paradox: statement appearing self-contradictory but revealing a deeper truth
  • "Meditation 8" describes God's grace as "a rich and golden mine" that is "most poor"
  • "The Reflexion" presents the idea that "in losing, Lord, I gain" and "in darkness, light"
• Wit: clever and inventive use of language through wordplay, puns, and unexpected turns of phrase
  • "Upon a Spider Catching a Fly" uses the spider and fly as a metaphor for the soul's struggle with sin

Religious themes in Preparatory Meditations

• Series of poems written as spiritual exercises before taking communion
• Reflects Taylor's deep religious devotion and introspection
• Themes:
  • Human unworthiness and dependence on God's grace
  • The soul's longing for spiritual union with Christ
  • The struggle against sin and temptation ("Meditation 39" describes sin as a "raging sea" and the soul as a "leaking ship")
  • The beauty and mystery of the Eucharist
• Other religious themes in Taylor's work:
  • The sovereignty and majesty of God
  • The importance of faith and spiritual discipline
  • The hope of eternal life and the promise of salvation

Taylor vs other Puritan poets

• Anne Bradstreet: first published female poet in colonial America
  • Similarities: strong Puritan faith, emphasis on spiritual themes, use of elaborate metaphors and conceits
  • Differences:
    • Taylor focuses more on spiritual meditations and preparation for communion
    • Bradstreet includes more personal and domestic themes (love for her husband and children)
    • Taylor's style is more complex and intellectually challenging; Bradstreet's is more accessible and emotionally direct
• Michael Wigglesworth: Puritan minister and poet known for "The Day of Doom"
  • Similarities: strong Puritan beliefs, emphasis on sin and judgment
  • Differences:
    • Taylor's poetry is more introspective and focused on the individual soul
    • Wigglesworth's poetry is more didactic and focused on the larger Puritan community

Puritan Poetic Themes and Styles

Characteristics of metaphysical poetry

• Introduces complex and elaborate conceits to Puritan literature
• Combines intellectual and spiritual elements
• Uses wit, paradox, and intellectual reasoning to explore religious themes
• Exemplified by Edward Taylor's poetry

Puritan poetry vs metaphysical poetry

• Puritan poetry:
  • Reflects Puritan religious beliefs and values
  • Emphasizes faith, morality, and spiritual discipline
  • Uses plain language and direct expression
  • Explores themes of sin, redemption, and the relationship between the individual and God
• Metaphysical poetry in Puritan literature:
  • Introduces complex and elaborate conceits
  • Combines intellectual and spiritual elements
  • Uses wit, paradox, and intellectual reasoning to explore religious themes