What does the 'Mirror' represent in many Metaphysical religious poems?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: The human soul's imperfect reflection of the divine image
Drawing on St. Paul's 'through a glass darkly', poets like Herbert and Vaughan use the mirror to show how the soul is clouded by sin. The goal of the religious life is to 'polish' the mirror so it reflects God more clearly.
Keep practicing
More Love and Religion questions
- In 'The Good-Morrow', Donne describes the lovers' world as one where 'whatever dies, was not mixt equally'. What is the source of this 'mix…
- Which Metaphysical concept describes the use of religious terminology to elevate secular love to a state of holiness?
- In John Donne's 'The Extasie', what is the primary argument regarding the relationship between the soul and the body in love?
- In George Herbert's 'Love (III)', the interaction between the speaker and Love is framed as what social setting?
- Which Metaphysical poet is known for the 'Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations' found in a collection titled 'The Temple'?
- In Donne’s 'Batter my heart, three-person'd God', what shocking paradox does the speaker use to describe his desire for religious purity?