Who are prominent metaphysical poets?

The selection of John Donne, Andrew Marvell, and George Herbert accurately identifies prominent metaphysical poets. The metaphysical poetry movement, which emerged in the 17th century, is characterized by its intellectual playfulness, intricate metaphors, and exploration of complex themes such as love, faith, and existence.

John Donne is often regarded as one of the foremost figures of this movement, known for his use of conceits and a deep engagement with philosophical and theological questions. Andrew Marvell, a contemporary of Donne, shares this affinity for metaphysical themes and is celebrated for his witty and clever poetry. George Herbert’s works reflect a unique blend of spirituality and emotional depth, embodying many hallmark traits of metaphysical poetry.

In contrast, the other options include poets who, while influential and significant in their own right, belong to different literary movements. Wordsworth and Coleridge are key figures in Romanticism, Keats and Poe are known for their contributions to Romantic and Gothic literature respectively, and Byron is primarily associated with Romanticism and the Byronic hero.