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Puritan Age Literature Overview

This document provides an assignment for an English literature course focusing on Puritan literature from the 17th century. It includes 4 research questions: 1) defining the Puritan Age and significant events, 2) information about John Milton, 3) a summary of Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost", and 4) reflecting on the meaning of Milton's poem "On His Blindness". The document then provides detailed responses and context for each of the 4 research questions.

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Marjorie Vallarta
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45 views5 pages

Puritan Age Literature Overview

This document provides an assignment for an English literature course focusing on Puritan literature from the 17th century. It includes 4 research questions: 1) defining the Puritan Age and significant events, 2) information about John Milton, 3) a summary of Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost", and 4) reflecting on the meaning of Milton's poem "On His Blindness". The document then provides detailed responses and context for each of the 4 research questions.

Uploaded by

Marjorie Vallarta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

~Eng lit 114: Assignment~

November: 07, 2021

I. Research

1. What is the “Puritan Age,” give some significant events during this era (especially about
literature).

(The Puritan Age-1600-1660)


The seventeenth century up to 1660 was dominated by Puritanism and it may be called the
puritan Age or the Age of Milton, who was the noblest representative of the puritan spirit. The
puritan movement in literature may be considered as the second and greater Renaissance marked
by the rebirth of the moral nature of man. However, in the Age of Renaissance despotism was
still the order of the day and there was fanaticism in politics and religion.
The puritan movement stood for the liberty of the people from the shackles of the deposited ruler
as well as the introduction of morality and high ideals in politics. Thus, it had two objects
personal righteousness, civil and religious liberty. In other words, it aimed of making men honest
and free.
" Puritan Literature"
In the literature of the puritan Age, we find the same confusion as we find in religion and
politics. As there were no fixed literary standards, imitations of older poets and exaggeration of
the poets replaced the original, dignified, and highly imaginative compositions of the Elizabethan
writers. The literature produced during this period so-called gloomy age, was not of a higher
order, however, this age has the honor of producing one great master of verse whose work would
shed luster on any age or people. John Milton, who was the noblest and indomitable
representative of the puritan spirit to which he gave a loftiest and enduring expression.
A) Puritan poetry:
Puritan poetry can be divided into three parts
(1) poetry of School of Spencer
(2)poetry of the Metaphysical school,
(3) poetry of the Cavalier poet.
1). School of Spencer:
The Spenserian were a follower of Spencer. Despite the changing conditions and revolt against
Italian poetry which Spencer and Sidney had made fashionable during the sixteenth century, they
preferred to follow Spencer and considered him as their master.
Phineas Fletcher(1582-1648) and Giles Fletcher (1583-1623). are the most important poets of
this school. They were both priests and fellows of Cambridge university. Phineas Fletcher wrote
many Spencerian pastorals and allegories. His most important work is the poem " The purple
Island".It is an allegorical poem and follows the allegorical pattern of the Faerie Queen.
Giles Fletcher was more lyrical and supernatural than his brother. He also chooses his subjects
for his poetry from Spencer's subjects. His Christ's Victory and Triumph in Heaven and Earth
over and after Death (1610), which is an allegorical poem is a link between the religious poetry
of spencer and Milton. Other writers who wrote under the influence of Spencer were William
Browne, George Wither, and William Drummond.
2). The Metaphysical School
The name " metaphysical" was first used by [Link] in his essay on Abraham Cowley in his
"Lives of the poets" [Link] gave his name in derisions because of the fantastic form of
Donne's poetry. John Donne and George Herbert are the two major poets of this school.
Abraham Cowley. Henry Vaughan, Andrew Marvell, and Edmund Waller are the minor poets of
this school. John Donne and Herbert are in different ways, a type of revolt against earlier forms
and standards of poetry. In feeling and imagery, both are poets of a high order, but in style and
expression, they are the leaders of the fantastic school whose influence largely dominated poetry
during the half-century of the puritan period. The metaphysical poets were honest, original
thinkers. They tried to analyze their feelings and experience of love. They were also aware of life
and were concerned with death, burial descent into hell, etc. Though hoped for immorality, they
were obsessed by the Consciousness of morality which was often expressed in a mood of
mawkish disgust.
The term Cavalier or Caroline (adjective from Charles) is used for a group of mid-17th-century
poets who sided with King Charles I against the parliament. These Cavalier or Caroline poets
were the followers of Ben Johnson, and may properly be called the 'Sons of Ben', though some of
them also display the influence of John Donne.
3). The Cavalier Poetry
The cavalier poets sympathized with the king. Some of them went into exile with the king and
the others stayed home in England. Some of them wrote elegant verse, more light than serious,
so that the term ‘cavalier poetry’ came to refer to a kind of light lyric, often advocating a Carpe
diem (seize the day) attitude. To “seize the day” means to disregard the future so that one might
expect the poets of this theme to ignore religion. But life is not so simple. Some cavalier poets
were also men of strong religious faith, who neither wrote religious epics nor holy sonnets. The
most important poets of this school are Herrick, Carew, Lovelace, Suckling, and Walter Denham.
The 17th-century poet, Andrew Marvell managed a blend of metaphysical and cavalier attitudes
and techniques so elegant that he has been classified under both headings.
The Caroline lyric is the result of conscious effort. It is artificial. It is a work of art characterized
by finish, polish, and elegance of language, but lacking the spontaneity and absence of effort
which characterized the Elizabethan lyric. It has a formal finish and perfection but is wanting in
natural care and warmth of emotion.
It mirrors the mood and temper of the age. It is often coarse, licentious, and indecent, thus
reflecting the coarseness and indecency of the courtly circles to which most of the poets of this
school belonged. The poets of this school, again and again, find the various beauties of nature
united in the beauty of their respective beloved.
The cavalier poets are great lovers of nature. They observe nature minutely and describe it with
feelings. Concrete, visual images drawn from the homelier and simpler objects and forces of
nature abound in their lyrics. The lyric is charming, but there is something trivial and
unsubstantial about it. In this respect again, it reflects the triviality and frivolity of the life of the
times.

Puritan Poetry
Poets of the Puritan Age used sonnets especially the likes of Anne Bradstreet (considered to be
the first American poet) etc. This was a continuation of the sonnet writing in the Elizabethan age
and the works of Shakespeare etc.

“The Author to Her Book” by Anne Bradstreet is an excellent example of such sonnets.
Bradstreet used a very European poetic style and avoided getting into squabbles with the
criticism of the clergy at the time.

With the beginning of the Restoration period (after the monarchy was re-established in 1660),
poets like John Dryden, etc brought some creativity back to Puritan poetry.

2. Who is John Milton?

John Milton, (born December 9, 1608, in London, England, died on November 8, 1674, in
Chalfont St. Giles, London, He is an English poet, pamphleteer, and historian, is considered the
most significant English author after William Shakespeare. Milton is best known for Paradise
Lost, widely regarded as the greatest epic poem in English. Together with Paradise Regained and
Samson Agonistes, it confirms Milton’s reputation as one of the greatest English poets. His
influence extended not only through the civil wars and interregnum but also to the American and
French revolutions. In his works on theology, he valued liberty of conscience, the paramount
importance of Scripture as a guide in matters of faith, and religious toleration toward dissidents.

3. What is “Paradise Lost” (by J. Milton) all about?

Paradise Lost, an epic poem in blank verse, one of the late works by John Milton, was originally
issued in 10 books in 1667 and, with Books 7 and 10 each split into two parts, published in 12
books in the second edition of 1674.
Many scholars consider Paradise Lost to be one of the greatest poems in the English language. It
tells the biblical story of the fall from grace of Adam and Eve (and, by extension, all humanity)
in language that is a supreme achievement of rhythm and sound. The 12-book structure, the
technique of beginning in media res (in the middle of the story), the invocation of the muse, and
the use of the epic question are all classically inspired. The subject matter, however, is distinctly
Christian. The main characters in the poem are God, Lucifer (Satan), Adam, and Eve. Much has
been written about Milton’s powerful and sympathetic characterization of Satan. The Romantic
poets William Blake and Percy Bysshe Shelley saw Satan as the real hero of the poem and
applauded his rebellion against the tyranny of Heaven.

Many other works of art have been inspired by Paradise Lost, notably Joseph Haydn’s oratorio
The Creation (1798) and John Keats’s long poem Endymion. Milton wrote a companion piece,
Paradise Regained, in 1671, which dramatizes the temptation of Christ.

4. Research and reflect on the meaning of the poem “On His Blindness” by J.
Milton.
On His Blindness is a poem in which Milton reflects on his faith as he is turning blind. "On His
Blindness" centers on Milton's faith in God as he is losing his sight.
In “On His Blindness,” Milton expresses the worry that his loss of sight means that he will no
longer be able to serve God. Milton was a deeply devout Christian, so this was a very important
concern for him. The poet loses his sight at an early and productive age, so he feels vulnerable to
accomplish the mission of his life. He meditates that his god-gifted talent that is poetic talent will
remain useless and if it remains useless, God shall be angry at him. He compares his inability to
use his talent to physical, mental, and spiritual death. He raises the question of the God still
expects some work from him after seizing his eyesight. The poet suspects his capability that if
God is still expecting some service from him, can he be able to accomplish it. Suddenly he
realizes his foolishness to suspect God. God does not require the service of man nor does He take
back the gift, one bestowed by Him on man. He is almighty and supreme. It is therefore a folly
on his part to think that God requires his services.
They serve him the most who patiently and without a grumble surrender themselves to His will
and endure all spiritual, mental, and physical sufferings which God may inflict on them. A little
calm and careful thinking leads the poet to believe that the question of disservice to God does not
arise at all. Of course, he is Omnipotent, all-powerful, and Lord of lords and King of kings. He
has countless divine servants, angels, etc., to carry out His commands on land, water, and air in
the twinkling of an eye. Finally, the poet concludes that even if he is blind and unable to do any
service to Him, he should only remain loyal to Him. It must be remembered that even silent
attendance is also a kind of service to Him.

Well Done!

Common questions

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The Puritan Age (1600-1660) is characterized as a period that was dominated by Puritanism, emphasizing moral integrity and personal righteousness combined with civil and religious liberty. Literature from this era reflects the prevalent political and religious turmoil. Puritan poetry can be divided into three categories: the School of Spenser, Metaphysical School, and Cavalier Poetry. The School of Spenser followed allegorical and pastoral styles, emphasizing moral themes as seen in Phineas Fletcher's 'The Purple Island'. The Metaphysical Poets, like John Donne and George Herbert, employed complex metaphors and intellectual depth in their works, addressing themes like love and mortality with originality. Cavalier poets, supporting King Charles I, often displayed a 'Carpe diem' attitude, creating light, lyrical verses that sometimes mirrored the opulence and coarseness of their contemporary courtly circles .

Cavalier poets, often termed 'Sons of Ben' after Ben Jonson, expressed loyalty to King Charles I and echoed the attitudes of an elegant, yet displaced, court. Their poetry, marked by wit and directness, often championed the 'Carpe diem' philosophy, reflecting the uncertain political times and their support for the monarchy. This light, lyrical style often countered the intensity of Puritanism and encapsulated the frivolity of their courtly lives, yet it also contained elements of deep spirituality and earnestness among some poets. Such versatility depicted the varied reactions to the socio-political instability following the English Civil War .

John Milton is considered the most significant English author after Shakespeare, imbued with a deeply Puritan spirit. His works are marked by a commitment to personal integrity, civil liberty, and moral righteousness, reflecting the Puritan values of his age. 'Paradise Lost' epitomizes these themes by exploring the biblical story of the fall of Adam and Eve. It delves into the concepts of free will, obedience, and redemption, thereby embodying the moral and religious inquiries typical of Puritan thought. The epic poem's complex portrayal of Satan and human fallibility speaks to the era's theological debates, positioning Milton not only as a significant literary figure but also as a reflection of, and contributor to, Puritan ideology .

The Metaphysical poets, such as John Donne, used complex metaphysical conceits, paradoxes, and intellectual themes to explore love, often portraying it as spiritual and eternal, interwoven with religious and existential motifs. Unlike their predecessors, they sought depth and introspection. In contrast, Cavalier poets, like Robert Herrick, employed clarity, elegance, and brevity with a focus on 'Carpe diem' motifs, often emphasizing the physical and immediate pleasures of love. Their depiction of nature was appreciative yet more straightforward and less intricate compared to the Metaphysical poets' profound symbolic explorations .

John Donne and the Metaphysical poets marked a distinct departure from earlier poetic traditions by utilizing unconventional metaphors, paradoxes, and conceits known as 'metaphysical wit'. They challenged the Elizabethan style with their blend of intellect and emotion, focusing on themes of love, religion, and existential contemplation. Donne and his contemporaries, like George Herbert, examined the intricacies of their emotions and the human condition, often contemplating mortality and the afterlife. Their innovative style and thematic focus exemplified an intellectual rebellion against conventional patterns in poetry .

The Restoration period, beginning in 1660 with the monarchy's re-establishment, marked a significant transformation in English literature, as it shifted away from the austerity of Puritanism towards a celebration of wit, decadence, and complexity. Puritan poetry, which had been characterized by religious solemnity and moral introspection, began to incorporate diverse themes and a renewed creative vigor. Emerging poets like John Dryden exemplified this shift, blending Puritan discipline with Restoration's hedonistic and ornate style. The re-establishment of the theater and a broader acceptance of varied ideologies also influenced this literary transition .

The political and religious turmoil of the Puritan Age, reflected in literature, presented themes of human conflict and divine intervention, rooted in the struggle between royal and religious authority. Poets like John Milton embodied the Puritan spirit, promoting moral integrity and liberty against despotism. Literature from this period is characterized by a search for religious truth and personal righteousness, often using biblical allegories and introspective narratives to address societal chaos and advocate for civil reform. This turbulent backdrop informed the depth and complexity of themes portrayed in poetry and prose .

'Paradise Lost' has had a profound influence on later literature and movements due to its deep thematic and metaphorical complexity. The poem's intricate portrayal of themes such as free will, temptation, and redemption resonated with Romantic poets like William Blake and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who admired its depiction of Satan as a tragic, heroic figure. This sympathetic portrayal echoed their own revolutionary ideals against tyranny. Moreover, 'Paradise Lost' contributed to the epic tradition's continuity and inspired narrative structures and thematic explorations in works ranging from Joseph Haydn's 'The Creation' to modern interpretations of Biblical themes .

'On His Blindness' is a sonnet by John Milton reflecting his spiritual crisis as he copes with blindness. The poem poignantly captures Milton’s fears of failing to serve God due to his disability, revealing his internal struggle with despair and faith. Through introspection, he realizes that God does not demand active work but values patient acceptance of His will, indicating a broader theme of passive service as a form of worship. The poem thus embodies the Puritan ethos of faith and submission amidst trials while asserting God's omnipotence and benevolence .

Anne Bradstreet is recognized as the first American poet, with her work marking a significant contribution to Puritan and early American poetry. Her sonnets presented a continuation of Elizabethan traditions while incorporating her own perspectives, articulating personal reflection and religious devotions within a distinctively European poetic style. Despite the era's patriarchal constraints, her poems like “The Author to Her Book” showcased not only technical skill, but also her subtle defiance against contemporary societal restrictions and criticism, thus enriching the American literary canon with her introspective and candid explorations .

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