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

• A. The poets' lack of wit.
• B. The poets' witty, extended conceits and argumentative style.
• C. The poets' reliance on nature imagery.
• D. The poets' simple diction.

Answer: (B)

The main idea Johnson pointed to is the poets’ wit expressed through extended, clever conceits and a brisk, argumentative style. He noticed that these poets build long, intricate metaphors that link unlike things—science, philosophy, religion, and daily experience—into a single argument or insight. That combination of sharp intellectual play (wit) and a debating, almost treatise-like tone is what marks the group as “metaphysical.” So the best description is the poets’ witty, extended conceits and argumentative approach. The other traits—plain diction, nature-focused imagery, or a lack of wit—don’t capture what Johnson emphasized about this group.