It's characterized by:
* Unusual and unexpected comparisons: These poets often employed conceits, which are extended metaphors that draw surprising parallels between seemingly disparate things. For example, Donne's famous line "A bracelet of bright hair about the bone" compares a lover's hair to a bracelet, suggesting the delicate and beautiful nature of love.
* Intricate and paradoxical arguments: Metaphysical wit often involves logical puzzles and paradoxes, challenging conventional thought and prompting the reader to consider multiple perspectives. This is seen in Donne's "The Flea," where he argues that a flea's bite symbolizes the act of physical intimacy, drawing a surprising connection between insects and human relationships.
* Emphasis on the intellectual: These poets were deeply interested in philosophy, theology, and science, and their poetry often reflects these intellectual pursuits. Their wit is often infused with learned allusions and references that challenge the reader to think critically about the world around them.
* Focus on the ephemeral and the eternal: Metaphysical wit often grapples with the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love, as well as the relationship between the body and the soul. This theme is explored in Herbert's "The Collar," where the speaker wrestles with his own mortality and the limitations of earthly desires.
* A blend of the serious and the playful: While the subject matter of metaphysical poetry can be weighty, the wit employed often possesses a sense of humor and irony, even when dealing with somber themes. This allows the poets to engage the reader on both an intellectual and emotional level.
In essence, metaphysical wit is not simply cleverness but a sophisticated and thought-provoking style of writing that uses intellect, imagination, and a playful approach to explore profound philosophical and theological questions.