Metaphysical Poets: The term is applied to some poets: John Donne, Marvell, Vaughan whose poetry are marked with the frequent use of paradox, the bold and ingenious conceit, the incongruous image , the dramatic contrast of two dissimilar things, the complexity of thought and so on . The leading figure is John Donne, the most remarkable characteristic is conceit.玄思。Witty Poetry! It concentrates on the unexpected effect reached by the use of surprising contrast between apparent dissimilar things. The flea that bites the wooed lover and wooer is compared to be the marriage bed of two due to the union of blood; the compass is compared to be the heart of two distant but firm lovers. Metaphysical Poets intend to rebel against the amorous and sensuous poetry. The best metaphysical poetry is the combination of intellectual subtlety and emotional intensity. Personally, metaphysical poets have sharp and unique perspective toward their subject matters, the dramatic and startling effect is not comical but intensely witty and desirable. Because they provide us another kind of unprecedented and shocking penetrated view of the nature of a certain thing.
Naturalism: a kind of literary composition aimed at detached and scientific objectivity in the treatment of human beings. Naturalism is the extension of realism, whose tone is less inclusive but more pessimistic and ironic. The characters naturalists dealt with the characters who are from the lower class, uneducated, unsophisticated, and poor and reduced to the “degrading” existence. They are often conditioned with heredity and environment, these two combined force push them to the desperate and hopeless situation. Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, Jack London are all naturalists and have contributed to the literature with the influential works. Many critics hold the negative opinion upon naturalism and consider the works deterioration of the morality and strip off of the human dignity. But in deed, I think the works of naturalism truthfully reflect the human condition. Environment and hereditary traits do leverage upon one’s fate. I believe the groundbreaking talent is molded partly from his diligence but for the greatest part the quality gene. As we say, adversity could shape an individual’s tough character and determine one’s destiny , or the favorable environment could provide the child with the sufficient material wealth and heartfelt love which can ensure one’s better growth. All in all, the environment and hereditary play an inerasable roles in our growth. To be a cold-blooded victim, or a charitable philanthropist; to be a insurmountable hero or a low-esteemed coward, to be a victor or a loser, to be pessimistic or optimistic etc, these two mighty force do manipulate our life, isn’t it? But the overemphasis of the these two would inevitably lapse into the determinism and pessimism , so only the wise guys make use of these power to the utmost could they make their accomplishments!