17th century Poetry
The17th century poetry was marked by several notable features, including:
- Metaphysical poetry: This style was the most prominent in English poetry in the first half of the century. It was characterized by a blend of emotion and intellectual ingenuity, and a tendency to analyze feeling rather than express it. Poets like John Donne, Andrew Marvell, Henry Vaughan, John Cleveland, and Abraham Cowley are considered to be among the chief Metaphysicals.
- Neoclassical poetry: This new, orderly style emerged in the 17th century and continued into the following century.
- Lyric poetry: This short poem written to be sung was the most popular form of poetry in the 17th century.
- First published poems from America: The 17th century saw the publication of the first poems from America.
- Classic English epic poems: The 17th century is renowned for producing several classic English epic poems that reflect the era’s religious, political, and cultural contexts. Among the most notable are Paradise Lost by John Milton (1667), Paradise Regained by John Milton (1671), The Hind and the Panther by John Dryden (1687), and Mac Flecknoe by John Dryden (1682).
The 17th century was a turbulent period in English history, with traditions and norms constantly changing. This was reflected in the poetry of the time, which often emphasized the historical and social context in which the poets wrote.
University Questions
- What were the key characteristics of 17th century poetry, and how did it reflect the social and historical changes of the time? Discuss the major styles and themes, including Metaphysical, Neoclassical, and lyric poetry.
- How did the 17th century poetry, including Metaphysical, Neoclassical, and lyric forms, mirror the social and historical shifts of the period? Explain the prominent characteristics of these poetic styles.
- Discuss the evolution of 17th century poetry. How did the rise of Metaphysical, Neoclassical, and lyric poetry reflect the historical and cultural changes of the time?
- What are the defining features of 17th century poetry, and in what ways did poets respond to the turbulent political and social climate of the period? Consider Metaphysical, Neoclassical, and lyric poetry.
- How did the diverse poetic forms of the 17th century, such as Metaphysical, Neoclassical, and lyric poetry, convey the changing historical and social context of the time? Discuss the major trends in this period’s poetry.
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