| 17th Century Poetry |
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Poems for this assignment: Robert Herrick, "To the Virgins...," p. 670 George Herbert, "Easter Wings" and "The Collar," pp. 662-63 Richard Lovelace, "To Lucasta..." and "To Althea...," p. 671 Andrew Marvell, "To His Coy Mistress" and "The Garden," pp. 679, 683 Some of the poems you will read for this assignment will be carpe diem poems; others will be conventional lyrics; some will be religious poems; some will be metaphysical poems. The various literary forces of the early 17th century can be seen at work in these poems. Traditionally, the poets of this era are divided between the "cavalier" and "metaphysical" poets, but this division is a bit reductive. In general, the "cavalier" style is more polished, conventional, formal, and "correct"; it will be the style that is favored in the 18th century. The "metaphysical" style is generally more unconventional, rougher in its use of language and rhythm, and more individualistic. As you go through these poems, see if you can classify them as "cavalier" or "metaphysical"--and don't be surprised if you find at least one poet who is difficult to classify. |
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