17th Century Literature and Society

17th Century Literature and Society

• Early 17th Century: Major poets like George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, and John Donne emerged. Elizabeth I, a queen, held a significant societal role.
• Similarities between 16th and 17th Centuries: Shared societal and literary characteristics.
• Monarchy:
  • Elizabeth I's death (1603) led to James VI of Scotland becoming James I of England.
  • Controversial succession due to James I's mother's execution.
  • Charles I's reign (1625) was marked by royal absolutism and tensions.
  • Civil War (1642-1649): Parliament vs. King.
  • Execution of Charles I (1649) and the Commonwealth period (1649-1660).
  • Restoration of the monarchy with Charles II (1660).
  • Religious conflicts and tensions between Protestant Reformation and Catholicism.
• Literature:
  • Religious publications, such as the King James Version (1611).
  • Growing anti-Catholic sentiment.
  • Gunpowder Plot (1605).
• Literary Genres: Plays, dramas, poetry, prose.

17th Century Literature Styles and Figures

• Standard English Scripture: Used by writers.
• Literary Qualities: Beautiful rhymes, phrasings, metaphors, and order.
• Analogy: Importance of microcosm and macrocosm parallels.
• New Discoveries and Colonies: Challenged existing categories.
• Scientific Theories: Changes in worldview (Galileo, Kepler, Heliocentrism).
• Scientific Method: Emphasis on observation, experiment, and logic.
• Royal Society of London (1660): A significant institution.
• Literature Evolution: Gradual evolution from earlier styles.
• Patronage: Supported by Patrons and royalties.
• Censorship: Limitations in the 17th Century.
• Literary Genres: Poetry, epic, familiar essays, short prose, sonnets, and more.
• Metaphysical Poetry: Significant development and characteristics.

17th Century Poets and Works:

• Andrew Marvell (1621-1678):
  • Connections to Milton, Trinity College, and Cambridge.
  • Known for "To His Coy Mistress."
  • Elements of rhyme, iambic tetrameter, and dramatic monologue.
  • Use of syllogism (reasoning).
• John Donne (1572-1631):
  • Church of England preacher.
  • Used "conceits" (original images or ideas).
  • Notable work: "The Sun Rising."
  • Characteristics of aubade (morning poems) and irregular metre & rhyme.
• George Herbert (1593-1633):
  • Trinity College.
  • Worked as a preacher but wrote religious poems.
  • Collection: "The Temple."
  • Examples: "Easter Wings."
  • Form and content relationship analysis possible.