English Literature
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The Post- Renaissance Period (c. 1625- c. 1660)
Metaphysical poetry:
Rational thinking influences literature; in poetry „Ñ-close unity of emotion and logical thought
Master of metaphysical poetry: John Donne (1572- 1631), also George Herbert (1593-1633)
Use of conceits: a surprising comparison worked out in great detail
Are unusual and unexpected comparisons
May seem far fetched, but actually express the meaning of the poet in a forceful and logical way
E.g. John Donne compares a pair of lovers to a pair of compasses. Even if the points are apart, they are still connected, and they are leaning against each other.
John Milton (1608- 1674), one of EnglandÐŽ¦s greatest poets of all times, writes his early poems in this period. E.g. Ode on the Morning of ChristÐŽ¦s Nativity, LÐŽ¦Allegro, Il Penseroso. On Shakespeare shows the influence of metaphysical poetry. His greatest work Paradise Lost is written in the next period The Age of Reasons.
No metaphors like in the renaissance
Drama declines rapidly; the Puritan government disapproves of it and closes the theatres in 1642.
Holy Sonnet by John Donne, 1633
Identify these lines
The complete poem of Holy Sonnet by John Donne
Classify on form and contents
Contents: lyrical and reflective
Form: ÐŽKÐŽKÐŽK sonnet
General meaning
The poet challenges God to use force against him so as to renew him and make him GodÐŽ¦s servant.
Written in what form
In the form of a prayer
Contains: 4 paradoxes, 3 conceits
State of mind of the poet: HeÐŽ¦s desperate
On Shakespeare by John Milton, 1630
Identify these lines
The complete poem of On Shakespeare by John Milton
Classify on form and contents
Contents: reflective and lyrical
Form: ÐŽKÐŽK.. Sonnet
General meaning
A poem praising Shakespeare
The Pulley by George Herbert, 1633
Identify these lines
The complete work of The Pulley by George Herbert
Classify on form and contents
Contents: reflective and lyrical
Form:ÐŽKÐŽK sonnet
General meaning
God gives man everything, except rest and peace of mind. If he would also give him this gift man would forget him. ThatÐŽ¦s why he withholds it from us. So it actually works as a pulley, because if we do want peace of mind we can only find it with God.
Rest:
What is left
Peace of mind
Rusten
The Neo-Classical Period (1660- 1780)
Also called The Age of Reason, because of rational and scientific thinking.
Also called Augustan Age, because writers find their examples in the classical writers esp. those of the Roman Empire, under Augustus. England likes to think of herself as the successor of the Roman Empire, being conscious of her power.
Based on intellect and common sense.
Keep emotions under control; think itÐŽ¦s bad taste to show emotion.
Heroic couplets
All couplets must have meaning thatÐŽ¦s why these poems are so long.
Everything has to be explained and every couplet, which is explained, has its own meaning. You are able to read the couplets independent of each other.
Use of satire, because they couldnÐŽ¦t