Understanding the Question:
* Elizabethan Poetry: This refers to poetry written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). It's known for its ornate language, themes of love and courtly life, and often used traditional poetic structures like sonnets.
* Metaphysical Poets: This group of poets emerged in the 17th century, and their work is known for its intellectual, introspective nature, and use of complex metaphors. They were reacting against the more formal and conventional style of earlier poetry, including Elizabethan poetry.
Cliches in Elizabethan Poetry:
Elizabethan poetry often relied on:
* Overused metaphors and similes: Examples might be comparing a beloved's eyes to stars, or their hair to golden threads.
* Conventional themes: Love, beauty, chivalry, and the passing of time were common topics.
* Formal language and structure: Sonnets, rhyming couplets, and specific vocabulary choices were prevalent.
Metaphysical Poets' Rejection:
The Metaphysical poets wanted to:
* Explore complex ideas: Their poems often tackled philosophical and religious issues.
* Use unexpected imagery: They favored "conceits," which are elaborate metaphors that often linked seemingly disparate ideas.
* Embrace a more direct, conversational style: They were less concerned with following strict poetic forms.
Identifying a Cliche:
Consider these examples and think about which one a Metaphysical poet would find overused and therefore want to avoid:
* A) "My love is like a red, red rose": This is a classic example of a simple and overused metaphor.
* B) "I am but a shadow in the sun": This is a typical Elizabethan theme of transience, but the imagery is fairly straightforward.
* C) "Thy beauty shines like the morning star": Another overused comparison, particularly when referring to someone's beauty.
* D) "The world is but a stage, and we are all players": This is a well-known Shakespearean quote and a popular Elizabethan sentiment.
The Answer:
The most likely cliche that a Metaphysical poet would want to avoid is (C) "Thy beauty shines like the morning star". It's a simple and familiar comparison, lacking the complexity and intellectual depth that the Metaphysical poets favored.
Let me know if you'd like to explore more about the Metaphysical poets or Elizabethan poetry!