Samuel Johnson provided a detailed analysis of metaphysical poets in his "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets," particularly in the section on John Donne. Johnson criticized and analyzed metaphysical poets for their style and characteristics. Let's break down each option:
(A) "they were singular in their thoughts"
Johnson did note that metaphysical poets had a unique and singular approach in their ideas and expressions. He mentioned their originality and distinctiveness.
(B) "they were careful in their diction"
Johnson did not specifically emphasize that metaphysical poets were careful in their diction. In fact, he often critiqued their diction for being overly complex and affected.
(C) "they effected combination of dissimilar images"
This is a key point made by Johnson. He criticized metaphysical poets for their fondness for combining dissimilar images and ideas, which he saw as forced and unnatural.
(D) "they avoided occult resemblances"
Johnson did not state that metaphysical poets avoided occult resemblances. Rather, he pointed out that they often used obscure and complex analogies and metaphors, which can be considered as indulging in "occult resemblances."
Year-wise PYQs
