The physical versus the spiritual
What The physical versus the spiritual means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of The physical versus the spiritual
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Religious terms such as 'cloister' and 'sacrilege' are used blasphemously to elevate a physical proposition, while the flea symbolises physical union and a 'marriage temple'.
The tension between elevated spiritual love and love rooted in physical reality, which the poem explores.
Topics that use The physical versus the spiritual
- Component 3: Poetry – Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – Pre-1900 – Metaphysical Poetry – John Donne Selected Poems (Penguin Classics, 2006) (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Art and Immortality
- Cynicism and Misogyny
- Death and mortality
- Death and the afterlife
- Divine Forgiveness
- Erotic love and physical desire
- Eroticism and Violence
- Exploration and colonisation
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