The Jacobean Era (1603-1625)

Historical Context Death of Elizabeth I, succeeded by James Stuart in 1603 Deep religious and political unrest in England English Puritans => America Political ferment in the House of Commons Philosophical and intellectual changes Modern astronomy- Copernicus and Galileo Undermining of faith and older world view (divinely ordered universe, Great Chain of Being)

Metaphysical Poetry

Origins Definition of “metaphysical”: highly abstract, subtle, or abstruse The term "metaphysical," as applied to the group of seventeenth-century English poets, was used by Augustan poets John Dryden and Samuel Johnson to reprove those poets for their "unnaturalness.” Intellectual and theological concepts

Definitions Metaphysical conceit- an unusual and intellectual metaphor that makes a comparison between two startlingly different things. Extended simile. Paradox- an apparent contradiction which turns out on close inspection to yield a valuable perception or reveal a kind of truth

Characteristics Tendency toward psychological analysis of the emotions of love and religion Characterized as intellectual, analytical, psychological, disillusioning, bold Desired to express honestly, if unconventionally, the poet’s sense of the complexities and contradictions of life Verbal wit and excess Extended, elaborate, highly intellectual imagery

From “Meditation 17” “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were. Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne

Cavalier Poetry

Definitions of “cavalier” n.- A gallant or chivalrous man, especially one serving as escort to a woman of high social position; a gentleman. adj. - Carefree and nonchalant; jaunty. 17th century Cavalier poets were soldiers and courtiers first, authors only incidentally. Ideal of the Renaissance man

Characteristics Lighthearted in tone, secular in subject matter Graceful, melodious, polished in manner Licentious Witty Cynical Courtly themes of love, war, chivalry, loyalty Response to death: “carpe diem”

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, That age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer; Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today But being spent, the worse, and worst Tomorrow will be dying. Times still succeed the former. The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, Then be not coy, but use your time, The higher he's a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And while ye may, go marry; And nearer he's to setting. For having lost but once your prime, You may forever tarry. -Robert Herrick