Definition and History of Cavalier Poetry
Cavalier poetry is a style of 17th century English poetry that is characterized by its romanticism, classical allusions, smooth style and admiration of the leisurely life of the courtier. This style of writing was often seen to be in direct contrast to the more sober and serious writing style of the Puritans.
The term “Cavalier” was first coined by Edgar Allan Poe in 1845 to describe a group of English poets who wrote during the Civil War and the Interregnum that followed. This group of poets included Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas Carew, Sir John Suckling, and the Earl of Rochester. These Cavalier poets were all admirers of the court of Charles I and sought to idealize the court life with their works.
The Cavalier poets were often associated with royalty and entertainment, and opposed the puritanical and anti-royalist viewpoint of the Roundheads. They wrote in a language that was easy to understand, without complicated metaphors and images. Their works were also often animated by light-hearted and fun themes that celebrated courtly love, nature, beauty, and the pleasures of life.
Characteristics of Cavalier Poetry
The main characteristics of Cavalier poetry include its smooth and polished language, its frequent classical allusions, its romanticism, and its celebration of the noble life of the courtier.
The style of the Cavalier poets was characterized by a light, playful and often whimsical tone despite their poetic themes. Their poetry was written mostly in long lines, with an emphasis on smoothness, musicality, and grace. It was also often full of classical allusions and metaphors drawn from elements of nature.
In addition to their smooth, easy language and classical references, the Cavalier poets were also known for their celebration of courtly love, beauty, and parties. They often wrote about the pleasures of the court and its activities, as well as the joys of leisurely living.
Rhetoric in Cavalier Poetry
Cavalier poetry made use of a wide range of rhetorical techniques, in order to make their writing more lyrical, romantic and beautiful. These techniques included deliberately expressed exaggeration, the use of irony and satire, as well as rhetorical devices such as repetition and parallelism.
In addition to their use of rhetoric, the poets often used complex metaphors and similes to illustrate their point and make use of hidden meanings in their poems. They also used personification and direct address, to personify and address their readers in a lively and engaging manner.
Notable Examples of Cavalier Poetry
There are several well-known examples of Cavalier poetry from the 17th century. These include works by Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas Carew, Sir John Suckling and the Earl of Rochester.
Sir Walter Raleigh is perhaps the most famous of the Cavalier poets and his works include “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd”, “The Lie”, and “My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is”. Thomas Carew’s most notable works include “A Masquerade”, “A Rapture” and “An Elegy”, while Sir John Suckling is known for “A Ballad upon a Wedding” and the Earl of Rochester for “The Maimed Debauchee” and “A Letter From Artemisa in the Town”.
Influence of Cavalier Poetry
The influence of Cavalier poetry is evident in subsequent periods of English literature. Its influence can be seen in the works of the 18th century poets Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, as well as the 19th century poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The influence of the Cavalier poets can also be seen in the work of authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. Next to their lyrical and romantic language, their works were also heavily inspired by the classical allusions and imagery used by the Cavalier poets.
Contemporary Revival of Cavalier Poetry
In recent years, Cavalier poetry has seen a revival in contemporary literature. Modern poets such as Robert Herrick, Heather Henson and Jennifer Moxley have all written poems in the style of the Cavalier poets.
More recently, the works of Cavalier poets have also been adapted into theatrical works, such as the off-Broadway show “The Poets’ Corner” and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of “The Heiress” based on poems by Sir John Suckling.
Evaluation
The distinctive style of Cavalier poetry has had a lasting impact on English literature and has often been praised for its beautiful language, its classical allusions, and its romanticism. As a result, the works of the Cavalier poets have remained popular for centuries, and this style of writing has continued to influence modern works of literature and theatre.
Critical Reception
Cavalier poetry was not without its critics. At the time of its original production, some of the Cavalier poets’ works were criticized for their lack of religious seriousness and their celebration of courtier life and luxury.
Nevertheless, over time, the works of the Cavalier poets have been increasingly appreciated and admired by scholars and academics alike. Their works have often been praised for their lyrical, romantic language and their use of classical allusions and metaphorical imagery.
Influence on Later Poetry
The smooth and musical language of Cavalier poets has had a huge influence on the style and form of later English poetry. For instance, the works of Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift have been heavily influenced by the elegant and graceful language of the Cavalier poets.
The works of the Romantic poets, such as John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, were also influenced by the imagistic and lyrical style of the Cavalier poets. Similarly, the works of modern poets such as Robert Herrick and Jennifer Moxley also incorporate elements of Cavalier poetry into their writing.
Conclusion
The influence of Cavalier poetry can be seen in many different forms of English literature, from its influence on the classical authors of the 18th century, to its revival in the works of modern poets. With its lighthearted and playful language, its classical allusions, and its celebration of leisurely living, Cavalier poetry remains a significant part of the English poetic tradition.
