Literary Term - Conceit

 

Literary Term

Conceit 

In literary terms, a "conceit" refers to an elaborate and extended metaphor or simile that compares two things that are very different. Unlike a regular metaphor or simile, which might draw a brief and direct comparison between two unlike things, a conceit often involves a more complex and sustained analogy. Conceits are often used to provide insight into a particular subject, to create vivid imagery, or to make an abstract concept more tangible.

One of the most famous examples of conceit comes from John Donne, a 17th-century English poet. In his poem "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," Donne compares the love between him and his wife to a compass, suggesting that their love remains constant even when physically separated. This extended metaphor of the compass is a conceit, as it goes beyond a simple, direct comparison.

Conceits were particularly popular during the Renaissance and metaphysical poetry, where poets like John Donne and George Herbert used them to explore complex ideas and emotions. The use of conceits adds depth and richness to the language, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of themes and subjects in literature.

 

Use of Conceit in Literature

The use of conceit in literature can be observed in various works across different time periods and genres. Here are a few examples to illustrate how conceits have been employed:

 

Metaphysical Poetry:

John Donne is renowned for his use of conceits in metaphysical poetry. In his poem "The Flea," Donne develops a conceit by comparing a flea that has bitten both him and his lover to a sacred marriage. The flea becomes a symbol of their physical union, and Donne explores complex ideas of love, sexuality, and spiritual connection through this extended metaphor.

 

Shakespearean Sonnets:

Shakespeare also employed conceits in his sonnets. In Sonnet 18, often referred to as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?", the poet uses a conceit to compare the beauty of his beloved to the beauty of a summer day. This conceit allows Shakespeare to explore the enduring nature of his beloved's beauty in contrast to the transient nature of summer.

 

Metaphysical Conceit in "Paradise Lost":

John Milton, in his epic poem "Paradise Lost," utilizes metaphysical conceits to convey complex theological and philosophical ideas. For instance, in Book I, Satan is compared to a lion and a whale, drawing out elaborate and imaginative comparisons that go beyond simple metaphor.

 

The Renaissance Drama:

In Renaissance drama, especially in the works of Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare, conceits were often employed to convey heightened emotions and elaborate ideas. In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," for instance, Romeo uses conceits to describe Juliet's beauty, comparing her eyes to stars and her lips to a pair of blushing pilgrims.

 

Metaphysical Conceit in Contemporary Literature:

While the use of conceits diminished in popularity after the Renaissance, contemporary authors occasionally incorporate them into their works. The American poet Sylvia Plath, in her poem "Lady Lazarus," uses conceits to explore themes of death and resurrection, comparing herself to a phoenix rising from the ashes.

 

The use of conceit allows writers to explore intricate themes, create vivid imagery, and engage readers on a deeper intellectual and emotional level. It is a literary device that, when employed effectively, adds layers of meaning to the text and contributes to the overall richness of the work.

 

Conceits in Everyday Life

While the term "conceit" is primarily associated with literary devices, the concept of drawing extended and imaginative comparisons can be found in everyday language and thinking. In daily life, people often use metaphors, similes, and analogies to convey complex ideas, emotions, or experiences. These everyday conceits help individuals express themselves, make sense of the world, and communicate more effectively. Here are some examples:

Relationship Metaphors:

People frequently use conceits to describe relationships. For instance, someone might say, "Our friendship is like a sturdy oak tree, weathering the storms together." In this metaphor, the strength and resilience of the oak tree are used to convey the enduring nature of the friendship.

Career and Personal Growth Analogies:

In discussions about personal or professional development, conceits are often used. A person might say, "Embarking on a new project is like climbing a mountain; each step takes effort, but the view from the top is worth it." This analogy helps convey the challenges and rewards of a particular endeavor.

Parenting Metaphors:

Parents might use conceits to express the challenges and joys of raising children. For example, a parent might say, "Parenting is like being a gardener; you plant the seeds of values and nurture them to grow into strong, independent individuals."

Health and Wellness Analogies:

When discussing health and wellness, people often use conceits to illustrate their experiences. Someone on a fitness journey might say, "Getting in shape is like sculpting a work of art; each workout is a chisel stroke shaping a healthier, stronger version of myself."

Weather and Emotions Metaphors:

Everyday language is rich with conceits related to weather to describe emotions. For instance, a person might say, "Her mood was as stormy as a thundercloud," vividly conveying the intensity and turbulence of someone's emotional state.

Time as a Journey:

Time is frequently conceptualized as a journey in everyday language. People might say, "Life is a journey, and each year is a milestone along the way," using the metaphor of a journey to capture the passage of time and the experiences gained.

In these examples, everyday conceits serve as linguistic tools that allow individuals to convey abstract or complex ideas in a more relatable and vivid manner. The use of metaphorical language in daily communication helps people connect with others, share experiences, and articulate thoughts and feelings in a way that resonates on a deeper level.

 

Examples of Conceit in Literature

 

John Donne's "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning":

In this poem, Donne compares the love between him and his wife to a compass. The conceit lies in the extended metaphor where he likens their spiritual connection to the movement of the legs of a compass, suggesting that even when physically apart, their souls remain connected.

"Our two souls therefore, which are one,

Though I must go, endure not yet

A breach, but an expansion,

Like gold to airy thinness beat."

 

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18:

In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare uses a conceit to compare the beauty of his beloved to the beauty of a summer's day. The entire sonnet unfolds as an extended metaphor, with the beloved's beauty transcending the transient nature of summer.

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate..."

 

John Milton's "Paradise Lost":

In "Paradise Lost," Milton employs metaphysical conceits to explore complex theological and philosophical ideas. One example is the comparison of Satan to a chained and regal lion. This metaphor is extended throughout the text to depict the fallen angel's character and predicament.

"Him the Almighty Power

Hurl'd headlong flaming from th' ethereal sky,

With hideous ruin and combustion, down

To bottomless perdition, there to dwell

In adamantine chains and penal fire..."

 

George Herbert's "The Collar":

George Herbert's poem "The Collar" features a conceit where the speaker compares his relationship with God to that of a restive and rebellious child who is restrained with a collar. The extended metaphor explores themes of spiritual struggle and surrender.

"I struck the board, and cried, 'No more;

I will abroad!

What? shall I ever sigh and pine?

My lines and life are free, free as the road,

Loose as the wind, as large as store.'"

 

Sylvia Plath's "Lady Lazarus":

In this poem, Plath employs conceits to explore the themes of death and rebirth. She compares herself to a phoenix, rising from the ashes, emphasizing the cyclical nature of her struggles and resilience.

"Out of the ash

I rise with my red hair

And I eat men like air."

 

These examples demonstrate how conceits are used to create vivid and imaginative comparisons, allowing writers to delve into complex ideas and emotions through extended metaphors.

 

Function of Conceit

The use of conceit in literature serves several functions, contributing to the richness and depth of a literary work. Here are some key functions of conceit:

 

Extended Comparison:

Conceit allows for extended and elaborate comparisons between two seemingly dissimilar things. Unlike a simple metaphor or simile, which provides a brief comparison, conceit allows the author to explore the similarities in detail, often throughout an entire poem or passage.

 

Vivid Imagery:

Conceits often involve vivid and imaginative imagery, creating a more memorable and visually striking impact on the reader. By using unexpected and unconventional comparisons, writers can paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

 

Complex Exploration of Ideas:

Conceits are particularly useful for exploring complex ideas, emotions, or themes. By drawing intricate parallels between disparate elements, writers can convey nuanced and layered meanings, encouraging readers to contemplate and interpret the text on a deeper level.

 

Emotional Impact:

The use of conceit can heighten the emotional impact of a literary work. By associating abstract concepts or emotions with concrete and tangible images, writers can make their ideas more relatable and emotionally resonant for readers.

 

Intellectual Engagement:

Conceits often require readers to engage intellectually with the text. The use of extended metaphors challenges readers to follow and interpret the comparison, fostering a sense of intellectual involvement and encouraging a more active reading experience.

 

Expressing Paradoxes and Parallels:

Conceits are well-suited for expressing paradoxes and drawing parallels between seemingly contradictory ideas. This allows writers to explore the tension between opposites, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking literary experience.

 

Symbolism and Allegory:

Conceits can function as powerful symbols or allegories, representing abstract concepts through concrete and tangible images. This use of symbolism adds depth to the narrative and allows for multiple layers of interpretation.

 

Stylistic Flourish:

The use of conceit often adds a stylistic flourish to the writing. The inventive and imaginative nature of conceits can make the language more engaging and memorable, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the work.

 

Memorability:

Due to their imaginative and distinctive nature, conceits can make a piece of literature more memorable. The unusual and creative comparisons can leave a lasting impression on the reader's mind.

 

Genre Distinction:

Conceits, particularly prevalent in metaphysical poetry, contribute to the distinctive style of certain literary genres. The use of complex and unconventional comparisons is a hallmark of metaphysical poetry, setting it apart from other forms of verse.

In summary, conceit serves as a powerful literary device that enhances the expressiveness, intellectual depth, and emotional resonance of a work. It allows writers to engage readers on multiple levels, fostering a more profound understanding and appreciation of the text.