Metaphysical poets were a group of 17th-century English writers known for their complex and intellectual style. They often explored themes of love, religion, and existence through intricate metaphors and philosophical arguments. Notable figures include John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell, who used wit and paradox to challenge conventional poetic forms. Their poetry is characterized by a blend of emotional depth and intellectual rigor, often employing unusual imagery and extended metaphors, known as "conceits." This distinctive approach set them apart from their contemporaries, such as the Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and has influenced many poets in later literary movements.