Conceit

Conceit is a literary and rhetorical term that refers to an elaborate or strained metaphor, often used to create a striking parallel between two seemingly dissimilar things. Conceits are typically found in poetry and literature, where they serve to highlight the ingenuity and creativity of the author.

Types of Conceit

There are two main types of conceit: Petrarchan conceit and Metaphysical conceit.

Petrarchan Conceit

The Petrarchan conceit is named after the Italian poet Petrarch, who used this form extensively in his sonnets. It often involves exaggerated comparisons and hyperbolic descriptions of the beloved's beauty and the lover's suffering. For example, a poet might compare his lover's eyes to the stars or her lips to roses.

Metaphysical Conceit

The Metaphysical conceit is associated with the Metaphysical poets of the 17th century, such as John Donne and George Herbert. This type of conceit is characterized by its intellectual and complex nature, often drawing on science, philosophy, and religion to create a more profound and intricate comparison. An example is John Donne's comparison of two lovers to the two legs of a compass in his poem "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning."

Function in Literature

Conceits serve several functions in literature:

• They showcase the poet's wit and creativity.
• They create vivid and memorable imagery.
• They provoke thought and reflection in the reader.
• They can add layers of meaning to a text.

Examples in Literature

• William Shakespeare's sonnet "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" uses a conceit to compare the beloved to a summer's day.
• John Donne's "The Flea" uses a conceit to persuade a lover by comparing their relationship to a flea bite.

Related Literary Devices

• Metaphor
• Simile
• Hyperbole
• Allegory

See Also

• Metaphysical poets
• Petrarchan sonnet
• Literary devices
• Poetry