Which two criticisms did Johnson make of the metaphysical poets in the Life of Cowley?
- A. An inappropriate combination of wit and imagination
- B. They wrote verses rather than poetry
- C. They copied neither nature nor life
- D. They never tried to be singular in their thoughts
Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B. B and C only
Explanation
Johnson: 'they only wrote verses'; 'they neither copied nature nor life'. Far from never being singular, 'their wish was only to say what they hoped had been never said before'.
Note: The raw source key gave option 1; corrected per Johnson's text.
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