17th Century Literature-1
17th Century English Literature
Transition from an age of faith to an age of reason.
Literature reflects societal turbulence involving religion and monarchy.
Major changes in individual roles, perspectives of faith, and social structures due to civil war and religious controversy.
Influential writers: John Donne and John Milton.
Common themes: love, religion, political views.
Major Events in 17th Century England
The Reformation
The Reformation began in the 16th century, with significant impact on England.
The blend of church and state led to hostility among people.
Imprisonment occurred for those practicing unauthorized faiths.
Protestant Church of England increasingly resembled the Catholic Church.
Formation of sects (Puritans, Separationists, Presbyterians) led to governmental intolerance.
Changes in Monarchy
Death of Queen Elizabeth leads to King James I’s accession.
King James I commissions the translation of the Bible to standardize Biblical stories.
James I rules autocratically, perceives his power as divinely sanctioned.
James I is less beloved than Queen Elizabeth leading to political discontent.
Charles I succeeds James I, follows his father's divine rule, and dismisses Parliament.
Marrying a Catholic woman escalates public dissent, resulting in civil war (1642).
The Civil War
English Civil War between Parliamentarians and Royalists.
Royalists supported monarchy; Parliamentarians sought a limit on royal power.
Charles I put on trial and executed for treason.
Advances in Science
The 17th century marked exploration and scientific advancements despite societal turmoil.
Francis Bacon promotes scientific reasoning, observation, experimentation.
Acceptance of Copernicus, Galileo, and Isaac Newton’s ideas changed perspectives on life and science.
Growth in education and shift towards individualism.
John Donne
Biography
Born to a prominent Catholic family; lost father at a young age.
Educated by Jesuits but did not receive a degree due to refusal to recognize Henry VIII as head of the church.
Donne experienced personal tragedies that shaped his religious views.
Secret marriage led to imprisonment and later reconciliation.
Became an influential minister and poet.
"Holy Sonnets"
Comprised of 19 poems focusing on love and religion; examples of metaphysical poetry.
Sonnet 10 reflects on death and mortality.
John Milton
Biography
Milton, born into a middle-class family, initially intended to be a minister.
Became politically active, supporting Parliament during the Civil War.
Produced famous works, including "Paradise Lost."
"Paradise Lost"
Epic poem recounting Adam and Eve's fall from grace.
Explores character motivations; critiques authority and religious views.
Includes political insights relevant to King Charles I's regime.
Comparison of Works
Nature of the Individual
Both Donne and Milton explore individualism and personal belief systems.
Their works enable readers to engage with religious interpretation during an era of church and state separation.
Nature of Society
Both poets analyze societal roles; Milton’s allegory reflects political authority.
Donne’s sonnets address personal loss and faith amidst societal upheaval.
Theme of Faith
Donne and Milton reflect on faith and religious questioning.
Their works invite readers to reassess faith during tumultuous times.
Looking to Literature for Answers
Donne and Milton's works offer insights into 17th-century life, addressing individual, political, and social challenges.
Highlights the transition toward reason, individuality, and scientific exploration.
The 17th Century: History
James I's reign (1603-1625) marked attempts to govern without parliament; tensions with Puritans.
Charles I’s reign further escalated conflicts, leading to the Civil War.
Literature in the 17th Century
John Milton emerges as a leading prose writer, representing Puritan ideals.
Metaphysical poetry characterizes the early 17th century, with significant contributions from Donne.
The Greater Context
The Renaissance set the stage for the intellectual advancements of the 17th century.
Literary achievements continue alongside political and societal changes.
Subsequent Developments
James I's rejection of Puritan petitions exacerbated tensions.
Ongoing struggles between monarchy and Parliament culminate in the civil wars; literary achievements persist.