Brit Lit

Seventeenth Century Study Guide Notes

Historical Context

Interregnum Period (1649–1660)
  • Definition: The timeframe in England after the execution of Charles I when the monarchy was abolished.
  • Leadership: Dominated by Oliver Cromwell.
  • Government Control: Led by Puritans, who enforced strict religious regulations.
  • Ending of the Period: Concluded with the Restoration.
Restoration (1660)
  • Definition: The return of the monarchy under Charles II after the Interregnum.
  • Cultural Impact: Theaters reopened, leading to a resurgence of the arts and a more relaxed societal atmosphere following Puritanical constraints.
Gunpowder Plot (1605)
  • Definition: A failed conspiracy by a group of Catholics to blow up the Parliament.
  • Key Figure: Guy Fawkes was significantly involved in this plot.
  • Public Reaction: Resulted in heightened fear and distrust of Catholics within England.
Puritans
  • Definition: A strict faction of Protestantism seeking to purify the Church of England.
  • Views on Entertainment: Opposed theater and recreational activities.
  • Core Values: Emphasized discipline, religious devotion, and simple living.

Authors and Works

John Milton
  • Major Work: Authored Paradise Lost, which is an epic poem exploring themes of the Fall of Man.
  • Main Characters:   - Satan: Portrayed as a rebellious and persuasive leader.   - Beelzebub: Satan’s second-in-command, providing support.   - Adam and Eve: Representing the first humans created by God.
  • Important Facts:   - Milton composed Paradise Lost while blind.   - Experienced political decline after the Restoration, especially due to his advocacy for Cromwell and support of executing Charles I, which could have led to severe punishment.
  • Pamphlets and Writings:   - Advocated for freedom of speech, rights to divorce, and anti-monarchical sentiments.
  • Benefit to Cromwell: Produced propaganda supporting the governing body and justifying the execution of Charles I.
John Donne
  • Description: A significant metaphysical poet who later took on the role of a preacher.
  • Focus Areas: His poetry primarily revolved around themes of death, religion, and the soul.
  • Notable Work: "Death, Be Not Proud" where he argues against the pride of death, declaring it is not omnipotent as it leads to eternal life and will ultimately be defeated ("Death shall die").
Robert Herrick
  • Description: A Cavalier poet noted for his light-hearted and joyful tone in poetry.
  • Themes: Frequently centered around love, beauty, and the enjoyment of life.
  • Notable Themes: Often characterized as promoting carpe diem, or the idea of enjoying life now before it's too late.

Poetry Types and Movements

Epic Poetry
  • Definition: A lengthy narrative poem typically depicting heroic deeds.
  • Example Work: Paradise Lost serves as a classic example of epic poetry.
Metaphysical Poetry
  • Description: A style defined by its intellectual complexity, employing paradoxes and unconventional comparisons.
  • Example Poet: John Donne is recognized as a primary figure in metaphysical poetry.
Metaphysical Conceit
  • Definition: An extended and often unusual analogy or metaphor, such as comparing love to a compass.
Cavalier Poetry
  • Definition: Poetry characterized by lightness, elegance, and emotion, usually focusing on themes of love, beauty, and the idea of carpe diem (seize the day).

Poetry Structure and Techniques

Blank Verse
  • Definition: Unrhymed iambic pentameter, often used in English dramatic, epic, and reflective verse.
Iambic Pentameter
  • Definition: A type of meter in poetry consisting of a line with ten syllables, featuring a pattern of unstressed followed by stressed syllables.
Caesura
  • Definition: A pause occurring in the middle of a poetic line, allowing for dramatic effect and thought division.

Literary Devices

  • Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, event, or literary piece (often the Bible or historical events).
  • Apostrophe: Directly addressing a non-living object or a person who is not present.
  • Personification: Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or abstract concepts.
  • Simile: A figure of speech that makes a comparison using "like" or "as."
  • Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unrelated things without using "like" or "as."
  • Oxymoron: A figure of speech that juxtaposes contradictory terms, for example, "sweet sorrow."
  • Paradox: A statement that appears contradictory, but may reveal a deeper truth, as in "Death shall die."
  • Polyptoton: The repetition of words derived from the same root in a single line, as seen in “to the Virgins” with words like “flower” and “flowering.”

Sonnet Types

Shakespearean (English) Sonnet
  • Structure: Comprises 14 lines with the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
  • Notable Feature: Ends with a couplet that encapsulates the main idea.
Italian (Petrarchan) Sonnet
  • Structure: Also 14 lines with the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA followed by CDECDE (or a similar variant).
  • Division: Typically divided into an octave presenting a problem and a sestet offering a resolution.

Quick Memory Tips

  • Milton: Remember epic poetry, Satan, and political themes.
  • Donne: Focus on topics of death, religion, and paradox.
  • Herrick: Associate with happiness, love, and carpe diem themes.
  • Puritans: Characterized by strictness and opposition to entertainment.
  • Cavaliers: Emphasize enjoyment, love, and a carefree attitude toward life.