The 17th century in Britain was a period of significant political, religious, and social change, marked by the English Civil War, the execution of King Charles I, the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, and the eventual restoration of the monarchy with Charles II. Against this turbulent backdrop, British poetry thrived, with poets using their work to explore not only the changing political and religious landscape but also human emotions, nature, and the divine. The 17th century is often viewed as a bridge between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, with poetry evolving from the ornate style of the Elizabethan era to a more reflective and complex literary form.
In this article, we will explore 11 famous British poets of the 17th century who made significant contributions to English literature, shaping its future and leaving a lasting legacy. These poets represent a broad range of themes, styles, and influences, from religious devotion to political protest, and from philosophical contemplation to the celebration of nature.
British poets of the 17th century
1. John Milton (1608–1674)
John Milton is arguably the most famous British poet of the 17th century. Known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, Milton’s work had a profound impact on English literature and Western thought.
Literary Contributions
Milton’s work is marked by its complex theological and philosophical themes. Paradise Lost explores the biblical story of the fall of man, presenting a nuanced view of good and evil, free will, and divine justice. Milton was also a staunch advocate for freedom of speech and political liberty, themes that are evident in his poetry and prose.
Notable Works
Apart from Paradise Lost, Milton wrote Paradise Regained, a shorter epic that focuses on the temptation of Christ, and Samson Agonistes, a dramatic poem about the biblical figure Samson. His earlier works, such as Lycidas and Comus, also show his mastery of pastoral and lyrical forms.
Legacy
Milton’s work has been celebrated for its intellectual depth, its powerful use of language, and its exploration of complex moral and theological issues. He remains one of the most studied and influential poets in the English language.
2. Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)
Andrew Marvell was a metaphysical poet known for his witty, intellectual verse that often blended the political with the personal. Marvell was deeply involved in the political turmoil of his time, serving as a Member of Parliament and supporting the Commonwealth government under Cromwell.
Literary Contributions
Marvell’s poetry is known for its striking metaphors and intellectual rigor. He was a master of the metaphysical conceit, an extended metaphor that links seemingly unrelated ideas or images. His work often explores the tension between the physical and spiritual worlds, time, and the nature of love.
Notable Works
One of Marvell’s most famous poems is To His Coy Mistress, a seductive poem that uses the concept of time to persuade a lover to seize the day. Other notable works include The Garden, a reflection on nature and solitude, and An Horatian Ode, a political poem praising Oliver Cromwell.
Legacy
Marvell’s blend of wit, intellect, and emotion has made his poetry enduringly popular. His political engagement, combined with his mastery of poetic form, ensures his place as one of the great poets of the 17th century.
3. Ben Jonson (1572–1637)
Ben Jonson was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and one of the foremost dramatists and poets of the early 17th century. Known for his satirical plays and lyrical poetry, Jonson helped to define the literary scene of the Jacobean era.
Literary Contributions
Jonson’s poetry is marked by its classical influences and its precise, controlled language. He was a master of form, particularly in his use of the epigram and ode. His poems often focused on themes of friendship, love, and morality, and he was also known for his elegies and tributes to other writers.
Notable Works
Among Jonson’s best-known poems are To Celia, a lyrical love poem, and On My First Son, a poignant elegy for his young son. His Epicoene and Volpone are some of his famous satirical plays.
Legacy
Jonson’s influence on English poetry and drama is immense. He was seen as a model of classical restraint and intellectual rigor, and his works were widely studied and imitated by later poets.
4. John Donne (1572–1631)
John Donne was one of the most famous metaphysical poets of the 17th century, known for his intricate metaphors, bold imagery, and exploration of complex emotions and ideas.
Literary Contributions
Donne’s poetry is characterized by its dramatic tone and philosophical depth. He often wrote about love, death, and religion, blending sensuality with spirituality. His use of the metaphysical conceit, as well as his bold, unconventional imagery, set him apart from his contemporaries.
Notable Works
Donne’s most famous poems include The Flea, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning, and his Holy Sonnets, including Death, Be Not Proud. His Devotions upon Emergent Occasions is a meditation on sickness, death, and faith.
Legacy
Donne’s poetry was highly innovative and deeply personal, and his exploration of emotional and spiritual conflict has resonated with readers for centuries. He remains one of the most studied poets in English literature.
5. Robert Herrick (1591–1674)
Robert Herrick was a poet and Anglican cleric, best known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry. His work is often associated with the Cavalier poets, a group of writers who supported King Charles I during the English Civil War.
Literary Contributions
Herrick’s poetry is marked by its celebration of nature, love, and the pleasures of life. He often wrote about the fleeting nature of beauty and youth, encouraging his readers to enjoy life’s pleasures while they could. His poems are characterized by their simplicity, clarity, and musical quality.
Notable Works
Herrick’s best-known work is Hesperides, a collection of poems that includes the famous To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time. This poem, which urges readers to “gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” epitomizes Herrick’s focus on the brevity of life and the importance of seizing the moment.
Legacy
Herrick’s poetry, with its focus on joy and beauty, has remained popular for its simplicity and elegance. He is remembered as one of the most charming and accessible poets of the 17th century.
6. George Herbert (1593–1633)
George Herbert was a religious poet and Anglican priest whose work has been highly regarded for its spiritual depth and stylistic innovation.
Literary Contributions
Herbert’s poetry is deeply religious, often meditating on the relationship between humanity and God. His work is characterized by its use of intricate formal structures and its use of everyday language to explore complex spiritual ideas.
Notable Works
Herbert’s most famous collection of poetry is The Temple, which includes poems such as The Altar and Easter Wings. These poems use shape and form to reflect their themes, a technique known as pattern poetry.
Legacy
Herbert’s blend of formal innovation and spiritual sincerity has made his poetry enduringly popular. His works have been praised for their devotional quality and their ability to express profound theological ideas in simple, accessible language.
7. Henry Vaughan (1621–1695)
Henry Vaughan was a metaphysical poet whose work often focused on themes of nature, religion, and the soul.
Literary Contributions
Vaughan’s poetry is marked by its deep sense of spiritual longing and its use of natural imagery to explore religious themes. His work reflects his deep Christian faith and his belief in the divine presence in the natural world.
Notable Works
Vaughan’s best-known collection is Silex Scintillans, which includes poems such as The World and The Retreat. These poems explore themes of spiritual renewal and the soul’s journey toward God.
Legacy
Vaughan’s contemplative, nature-focused poetry has earned him a place among the great metaphysical poets. His work continues to be admired for its spiritual depth and its lyrical beauty.
8. Richard Crashaw (1613–1649)
Richard Crashaw was a metaphysical poet and a convert to Catholicism whose work is noted for its religious fervor and baroque style.
Literary Contributions
Crashaw’s poetry is marked by its emotional intensity and its vivid, often extravagant imagery. His work often explores themes of religious devotion, martyrdom, and divine love.
Notable Works
Crashaw’s most famous collection is Steps to the Temple, which includes poems such as The Flaming Heart and On the Wounds of Our Crucified Lord. His work is notable for its passionate expression of religious devotion.
Legacy
Crashaw’s intense, visionary poetry has been praised for its emotional power and its ability to convey deep spiritual experiences. He remains one of the most distinctive voices in 17th-century English poetry.
9. Thomas Carew (1595–1640)
Thomas Carew was a Cavalier poet known for his elegant, lyrical verse. He was a contemporary of Robert Herrick and shared many of the same themes, including love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life.
Literary Contributions
Carew’s poetry is marked by its smooth, polished style and its focus on themes of love and desire. His work often reflects the influence of classical poets, particularly in its emphasis on the pleasures of the senses and the brevity of life.
Notable Works
Carew’s best-known poems include A Rapture, a sensual celebration of love, and An Elegy upon the Death of the Dean of St. Paul’s, Dr. John Donne, a tribute to the great metaphysical poet.
Legacy
Carew’s polished, elegant verse has earned him a place among the finest Cavalier poets. His work, with its focus on love and beauty, continues to be admired for its lyrical quality and its emotional depth.
10. Katherine Philips (1632–1664)
Katherine Philips, known as “The Matchless Orinda,” was one of the most prominent female poets of the 17th century. She was known for her translations, as well as her original poetry, which often focused on themes of friendship, loyalty, and virtue.
Literary Contributions
Philips’ poetry is notable for its focus on female friendship and its exploration of virtue and morality. Her work reflects the influence of classical ideals, particularly in its emphasis on loyalty and honor.
Notable Works
Philips’ best-known poems include To My Excellent Lucasia, on Our Friendship and On the Death of My First and Dearest Child, Hector Philips. She also translated several plays from French to English.
Legacy
Philips is remembered as one of the most important female poets of the 17th century. Her work, with its focus on friendship and virtue, offers a unique perspective in an era dominated by male writers.
11. Abraham Cowley (1618–1667)
Abraham Cowley was a poet and essayist who played a significant role in the development of English poetry in the 17th century. He was known for his use of the Pindaric ode and for his philosophical poetry.
Literary Contributions
Cowley’s poetry is marked by its intellectualism and its use of complex forms. He was particularly influenced by classical poets and philosophers, and his work often reflects a deep engagement with philosophical and ethical questions.
Notable Works
Cowley’s best-known works include his Pindaric Odes, which helped to popularize the form in English, and his long philosophical poem Davideis, which explores the life of King David.
Legacy
Cowley’s intellectual and formal innovations had a significant impact on later poets. He is remembered as one of the most influential poets of his time, particularly for his role in shaping the development of the ode in English poetry.
Conclusion
The 17th century was a rich period for British poetry, with poets like John Milton, Andrew Marvell, and John Donne exploring new themes and forms. Whether writing about love, politics, or religion, these poets left a lasting legacy that continues to influence English literature to this day. The diversity of styles and themes in their work reflects the complexity of the time, making the 17th century one of the most important eras in the history of British poetry.
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