Cavalier Poetry: Definition, Features and Major Cavalier Poets

 

INTRODUCTION:

The Cavalier Poets were a group of poets who flourished in England during the reign of Charles I (1625–1649) and the Interregnum (1649–1660). They were known for their elegantly written, witty, and often sensuous poetry that celebrated the pleasures of life, love, and the arts.

 

Robert Herrick:

One of the most prominent figures among the Cavalier Poets was Robert Herrick, who wrote poetry that celebrated the pleasures of wine, women, and song. His poetry is characterized by its imagery and sensuous language, which are often used to describe the beauty of nature and the joys of love.

 

Richard Lovelace:

Another notable Cavalier Poet was Richard Lovelace, who is known for his poetry that celebrates the virtues of freedom and individualism. His poetry is often characterized by its bold and daring language, which is used to express his admiration for the courage and spirit of those who fought for freedom.

 

Other poets associated with the Cavalier Poets include Sir John Suckling, Thomas Carew, and Sir William Davenant. They often wrote in the style of the Petrarchan sonnet and wrote in praise of courtly love, beauty and the pleasures of life.

 

WHY CAVALIER POETS?

The Cavalier Poets were often seen as the literary counterpart of the Cavaliers, a group of courtiers and nobles who supported King Charles I during the English Civil War. They were often criticized by the Puritans and other religious groups for their focus on pleasure and their perceived lack of moral or religious content in their poetry.

 

CONCLUSION:

In Short, the Cavalier Poets were a group of poets that flourished during the reign of Charles I and the Interregnum in England. They were known for their elegant, witty, and sensuous poetry that celebrated the pleasures of life, love, and the arts. They often wrote in the style of the Petrarchan sonnet and wrote in praise of courtly love, beauty, and the pleasures of life. They were associated with the Cavaliers, a group of courtiers and nobles who supported King Charles I during the English Civil War, and were often criticized for their focus on pleasure and lack of moral or religious content in their poetry.

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