Question

When Samuel Johnson coined the term “metaphysical poets,” what trait was he calling attention to?

Answer 1

Samuel Johonson coined first the term "metaphysical poetry" in his book tittled Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets. In the book a number of poets were included and he noted how these poets shared some common characteristics like writing with wit and elaborate style.

Answer 2

Samuel Johnson was calling attention to the poets' fondness for abstract ideas when writing their poems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Samuel Johnson first coined the term "Metaphysical Poets" describing those poets of the 17th century who wrote about abstract things. They do write about love and human relationships like the Romantics but they also include darker subjects. The poetry of these writers are mainly about the philosophical, abstract and sometimes theoretical in nature. They also do not have a specific form of writing poetry, with no definite line, rhyme or even meter. Poets of this class include John Donne, Andrew Marvell, George Herbert among others.