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2: The Tudor Age (1485-1603)

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    Learning Objectives

    After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

    • Describe the economic, monarchic, and religious characteristics of Tudor rule
    • Describe the reasons for the Reformation in England
    • Characterize the Golden Age in England under the rule of Elizabeth I
    • Analyze the causes for the growth of literature in vernacular, or native, English
    • Compare Chaucer’s influence with that of Edmund Spenser’s on the development of literature in vernacular, or native, English
    • Analyze the influence of classical and Italian literature on the English sonnet
    • Analyze the influence of classical literature on English drama

    • 2.1: Introduction
      This page outlines the transition from the medieval period to the Tudor era in England, focusing on pivotal events and figures such as Henry IV, the Wars of the Roses, and Henry VII's rise to power. It highlights the economic and political centralization during Henry VIII’s reign, as well as the Reformation's impact on religious conflict and literature.
    • 2.2: Recommended Reading
    • 2.3: Thomas More
      This page discusses Thomas More, a notable humanist and politician, recognized for his advocacy of efficient governance and opposition to heavy taxation. It highlights his achievements as a barrister and Lord Chancellor, as well as his involvement in the religious turmoil of the Reformation and King Henry VIII's break from the Church.
    • 2.4: Utopia
      This page explores the themes of translation, governance, and societal structures in the context of Sir Thomas More's "Utopia." It highlights the author's reflections on language and writing, alongside critiques of societal decay caused by idleness and wealth disparities. The narrative introduces Utopia's communal lifestyle, agricultural practices, and values that prioritize collective well-being over individual greed, advocating for humane governance and social support systems.
    • 2.5: Reading and Review Questions
      This page analyzes Thomas More's narrative techniques in "Utopia" through his character's perspective on Hythloday's story, contrasting More's self-representation with Chaucer's. It addresses human qualities and their implications, gender roles, and More's views on farming versus education. The page also explores Utopian religious tolerance and the necessity of belief in a divine figure, highlighting the balance between innate traits and social conditioning.
    • 2.6: Thomas Wyatt
      This page discusses Thomas Wyatt, a notable Renaissance figure known for his poetry and political life. Educated at Cambridge, he influenced English literature by introducing the sonnet form and blending various cultural styles. His poetry, which often explored love and uncertainty, was circulated at court and later published posthumously in 1557, solidifying his legacy in the literary world.
    • 2.7: "The Long Love That in My Thought Doth Harbor"
      This page presents a poem that delves into the complexities of love and longing, highlighting the speaker's internal conflict between desire and reason. It reflects on love's dominance over emotions, the pain of attachments, and the loyalty to love despite its challenges. The poem suggests that the journey of love, even with its suffering, holds significant value, conveying a profound commitment to understanding the emotional depth of love.
    • 2.8: "My Gallery"
      This page explores a metaphorical journey on a tumultuous sea, symbolizing the speaker's emotional turmoil and struggles with forgetfulness and despair. The galley reflects the speaker's battered state of mind due to external and internal conflicts, marked by cruel memories and fears. The imagery evokes helplessness as reason fails to comfort, leaving the speaker adrift in sorrow and uncertainty, with a longing for resolution or escape from suffering.
    • 2.9: "Whoso List to Hunt"
      This page explores the themes of frustration and futility in love through the speaker's pursuit of an unattainable object of desire, symbolized by a deer. The speaker acknowledges defeat despite knowing the deer's location, highlighting unrequited love. The warning "Noli me tangere" suggests the beloved is unavailable, emphasizing the pain of longing and the exhaustion that comes from trying to capture what is ultimately unattainable.
    • 2.10: "My Lute, Awake!"
      This page explores the complexities of love, highlighting both its beauty and the pain it brings. The speaker mourns the end of their musical journey, connecting the lute to artistic expression and unfulfilled desires. They express a sense of finality, suggesting that despite love's temporary allure, it ultimately results in regret. The farewell to the lute symbolizes the exhaustion of their emotional efforts in conveying these feelings.
    • 2.11: "They Flee From Me"
      This page presents a poetic reflection on longing and loss, highlighting the transformation of a once-loving relationship into one marked by distance and indifference. The speaker mourns the past intimacy, grappling with feelings of bewilderment and pain resulting from abandonment. Ultimately, they question the reasons behind the other person's change, contrasting previous tenderness with the current emotional void.
    • 2.12: "And Wilt Thou Leave Me Thus?"
      This page delves into themes of longing, love, and despair through poetry. The speaker begs their beloved not to leave, reflecting emotional turmoil from the fear of loss. Each stanza conveys commitment and vulnerability, contrasting deep love with feelings of indifference. The repeated plea "Say nay, say nay" underscores desperation and a hope for reassurance and loyalty from the beloved.
    • 2.13: Reading and Review Questions
      This page explores Wyatt's use of metaphors in his poetry, focusing on love in “The Long Love” and the speaker's storm-tossed ship metaphor in “My Galley.” It examines autobiographical elements in “Whoso List to Hunt” regarding Wyatt's ties to Anne Boleyn and questions the sincerity of his sonnets. The significance of art in “My Lute, Awake!” and the relationship between the lady and the art is analyzed.
    • 2.14: Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
      This page discusses Henry Howard, 3rd Duke of Surrey, who was connected to Henry VIII's family and served in military campaigns while exhibiting rebellious behavior that led to imprisonment and execution for treason in 1547. He fathered five children and is notable for his contributions to English literature, especially as a pioneer of the sonnet form and for employing blank verse in his translations of Virgil's Aeneid.
    • 2.15: "The soote season"
      This page presents a poem celebrating spring's arrival, showcasing nature's renewal as greenery emerges and wildlife becomes active. Despite the vibrant imagery contrasting winter's harshness, the speaker expresses a lingering sorrow, highlighting the conflict between external joy and internal grief. The poem effectively captures the duality of thriving nature alongside personal emotional struggles.
    • 2.16: "Love, that doth reign and live within my thought"
      This page delves into the intricate nature of love, portraying it as a dual force that can conquer yet cause suffering. The speaker navigates the tension between desire and pain, particularly regarding a beloved who evokes mixed emotions. Through vivid imagery, love is likened to a knight battling in the heart, embodying the conflict of hope versus doubt.
    • 2.17: "Alas! so all things now do hold thier peace"
      This page delves into the theme of inner turmoil stemming from love, juxtaposing the peacefulness of nature with the speaker's emotional distress. It captures the duality of joy and sorrow linked to deep desires, expressing the pain of longing for love and the anguish of its absence, ultimately conveying a deep sense of grief over unfulfilled desires.
    • 2.18: "So cruel prison how could betide"
      This page expresses deep sorrow and nostalgia as the speaker reflects on joyful past experiences in Windsor, contrasting them with current suffering in prison. It reminisces about youthful days of love, friendship, and fun activities that signify camaraderie and happiness. The imagery underscores the stark difference between past bliss and present confinement, highlighting a longing for lost freedom and companionship. The poem emphasizes the emotional weight of memories amid sorrow and isolation.
    • 2.19: "O happy dames, that may embrace"
      This page features a poem that delves into the themes of love, loss, and longing. The speaker conveys sorrow over unfulfilled desire and the emotional conflict of awaiting an absent beloved. Through sea and sailing imagery, the poem explores the tension between hope and despair. It contrasts fleeting joy in dreams with the harshness of separation, capturing the pain of unreciprocated love. The narrative reflects a cycle of hope and anguish as the speaker faces uncertainty and heartbreak.
    • 2.20: Reading and Review Questions
      This page discusses Surrey's poetic style, marked by consonance and assonance, differing from Wyatt's simplicity. It highlights Surrey's nature imagery rooted in English tradition and his adherence to sonnet form with personal touches. The closing couplets emphasize themes, and Windsor symbolizes emotional imprisonment. Additionally, “O happy dames” features a female voice addressing societal expectations of women, showcasing their roles and aspirations.
    • 2.21: Queen Elizabeth
      This page outlines the life of Queen Elizabeth I, detailing her rise from the challenges of illegitimacy and her mother's execution to becoming a powerful monarch. It highlights her education and political acumen during a time of religious conflict. Upon ascending the throne, she reinstated the Church of England and maintained stability while managing suitors and threats.
    • 2.22: "The Doubt of Future Foes"
      This page explores themes of impending threats, deceit, and declining loyalty, contrasting current happiness with future concerns. It uses imagery of clouds and rain to symbolize unfulfilled ambitions and warns against the pitfalls of arrogance. The speaker advocates for wisdom in actions and emphasizes the futility of division in a pursuit of peace, expressing a strong commitment to uphold order and defend against dissent.
    • 2.23: "On Monsieur's Departure"
      This page delves into the complexities of love and emotional turmoil, presenting it as a paradoxical experience filled with both passion and pain. The speaker reflects on their inner conflict, struggling to convey their feelings of burden and resentment, while yearning for relief from love's grip. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the duality of romantic emotions and the speaker's desire for either gentler feelings or complete detachment to find contentment.
    • 2.24: "The Golden Speech"
      This page features a queen's speech to her subjects, where she expresses gratitude for their loyalty and values their support over material wealth. She acknowledges past mistakes regarding grants that affected her people and commits to accountability and reform. The queen vows to rule justly, protect her subjects from tyranny, and prioritize their welfare above her royal authority.
    • 2.25: Reading and Review Questions
      This page examines the portrayal of women in Elizabethan literature, concentrating on Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. It analyzes complex representations in works like “The doubt of future foes” and critiques the negative depictions of women in love poetry, such as “On Monsieur’s Departure.” The discussion reveals societal views of women as weak, while Elizabeth's “Golden Speech” emphasizes her virtues and leadership qualities, presenting her as a heroic figure in her writings.
    • 2.26: Edmund Spenser
      This page discusses Edmund Spenser, a late 16th-century poet educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where Renaissance ideals influenced him. His early work included translations and key friendships, leading to the publication of "The Faerie Queene," an epic representing virtues through allegory. Each book highlights a specific virtue via a hero and conveys moral lessons intended for contemporary audiences.
    • 2.27: from The Faerie Queene (Book I)
      This page recounts the adventures of a noble knight, showcasing themes of valor, temptation, loyalty, and the duality of good and evil. The narrative follows his encounters with monstrous foes, deceptive figures, and his true love, Una, as he battles against dark forces and struggles with moral dilemmas. Key elements include gripping battles, transformative experiences, and poignant moments of introspection and redemption.
    • 2.28: from The Faerie Queene (Book II)
      This page recounts the allegorical encounters of the knight Guyon with Mammon, the embodiment of greed, illustrating a moral struggle against temptation and materialism. Guyon consistently rejects Mammon's allure, emphasizing honor and noble achievements over wealth. The narrative explores themes of ambition, desire, and self-control, alongside interactions with characters like the noble Prince and the demure maiden Pan, showcasing virtues and challenges faced by knights.
    • 2.29: from The Faerie Queene (Book III)
      This page elaborates on the intertwining themes of love, valor, and destiny in a tale where knights, including Britomart, navigate challenges related to honor and betrayal. Characters like Sir Guyon and Marinell face emotional trials, demonstrating the complexities of desire and loyalty. Throughout encounters with enchantments, battles, and personal struggles, the narrative showcases themes of compassion and the relentless pursuit of glory.
    • 2.30: Reading and Review Questions
      This page explores the connections between Spenser's work and traditional chivalric themes, highlighting the Redcrosse Knight as a symbol of moral purity and the dual nature of art through Archimago. It discusses the moral lessons in the House of Pride, paralleling medieval allegory, and presents Britomart as a representation of chastity, sexuality, and power. Through these elements, the page illustrates complex themes of virtue and femininity in Spenser's work.
    • 2.31: Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618)
      This page outlines the life of Walter Raleigh, emphasizing his roles as a soldier, scholar, and courtier under Elizabeth I. It details his military exploits, efforts in colonization, and subsequent fall from favor due to personal choices, resulting in treason charges and execution. Additionally, it highlights his literary contributions, which intertwine his experiences with historical and fictional elements, along with poetic themes concerning power and societal reflections.
    • 2.32: "Farewell, False Love"
      This page examines false love as a harmful and deceptive influence, portraying it as a foe that incites anxiety and betrayal. The speaker shares personal experiences of love's guile and despair, highlighting its role in mental anguish and misplaced hopes. Ultimately, the speaker bids farewell to false love, recognizing the pain it has inflicted and rejecting the destructive fantasies associated with it.
    • 2.33: "If Cynthia Be a Queen, a Princess, and Supreme"
      This page examines the intricate nature of perception and identity, highlighting that individuals may view a character named Cynthia through various lenses, influenced by personal biases. It emphasizes that one's true essence goes beyond these interpretations and advocates for recognizing inherent value independent of external labels and judgments.
    • 2.34: "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepard"
      This page explores the transient nature of youth and love, expressing a longing for eternal romance while acknowledging the inevitability of time, decay, and forgetfulness. It contrasts fleeting joys with the harsh realities of aging, suggesting that true love could inspire a deeper appreciation of life's pleasures. Ultimately, the speaker resigns to the impermanence of both life and love.
    • 2.35: "The Lie"
      This page discusses a poem that encourages the soul to confront societal institutions and values with truth, revealing their flaws and deceit. The speaker advocates for challenging hypocrisy within the court, church, and other constructs, emphasizing that nothing is free from falsehood. Each stanza underscores the importance of confronting these issues and asserting that true determination remains unshaken by external criticism.
    • 2.36: "Nature, That Washed Her Hands in Milk"
      This page examines the relationship between love, beauty, and time through a poem. It describes Nature's creation of an ideal woman for Love, whose beauty masks a cold heart, leading to despair. As time diminishes beauty and happiness, love transforms into sorrow. The poem ultimately conveys themes of aging, the fleeting nature of life, and the acceptance of mortality despite the bittersweet experience of love.
    • 2.37: From The Discorvery of the Large, Rich, and Beautiful Empire of Guiana
      This page details an expedition along the Caroli River in Guiana, highlighting its strategic importance against Spanish dominance and the region's wealth in gold. The narrative captures the challenges faced by the explorers, their interactions with local leaders, and the breathtaking landscape teeming with resources. It emphasizes Guiana's defensible position compared to other territories, suggesting the establishment of a fort to secure control and exploit its potential.
    • 2.38: Reading and Review Questions
      This page examines Sir Walter Raleigh's poetry and prose, focusing on his societal and personal values compared to contemporaries such as More and Spenser. It analyzes "The Nymph’s Reply" as a critique of the pastoral tradition, questions his pursuit of glory and wealth in "The Lie," and explores the allusions to Elizabeth I in "To Cynthia." Additionally, "The Discoverie" is scrutinized for its rhetorical strategies and vivid portrayals of native peoples, showcasing Raleigh's persuasive methods.
    • 2.39: Sir Philip Sidney
      This page provides an overview of Sir Philip Sidney's life and contributions as a scholar and poet. Born in 1554, he was educated at Shrewsbury School and Oxford, and traveled Europe, experiencing significant historical events. Initially aspiring for political influence under Elizabeth I, he shifted his focus to literature, creating notable works like "Old Arcadia," "New Arcadia," and "Astrophil and Stella." He defended poetry's moral and educational importance in "The Defense of Poesy.
    • 2.40: The Defence of Poesy
      This page emphasizes the unique value of poetry compared to history and philosophy in teaching virtues and moral principles. It highlights poetry's power to inspire, motivate, and engage emotions, arguing that it offers a deeper understanding of goodness and virtue. The text defends poetry against criticisms, advocating for its significance in culture and knowledge while lamenting the decline of appreciation for true poetic talent.
    • 2.41: Reading and Review Questions
      This page delves into Sir Philip Sidney's perspective on poetry, emphasizing its dual nature as a source of delight and a moral guide. Sidney defends poetry's ethical significance, distinguishing his views from those of poets like Chaucer and Spenser. Influenced by his Protestant beliefs, he highlights the interplay between his roles as poet and courtier. Furthermore, he asserts that poetry is vital in shaping national identity, aligning with themes in Spenser's "The Faerie Queene."
    • 2.42: Mary (Sidney) Herbert, Countess of Pembroke
      This page discusses Mary Sidney Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, who was homeschooled and married for familial alliances. She challenged societal norms by nurturing literary circles and honoring her brother Sir Philip Sidney's legacy through her writings. Herbert's translations and publications illustrate Elizabethan perspectives on women's roles and Protestantism, showcasing her ambition as an author.
    • 2.43: "The Doleful Lay of Clorida"
      This page reflects on grief and loss, particularly mourning the death of Astrophel. The speaker seeks comfort in solitude, as divine and human sources fail to ease their sorrow. Nature mirrors this grief, highlighting the significance of the departed. Despite the pervasive theme of loss, the speaker finds hope that the soul enjoys eternal bliss, contrasting with the living who continue to experience sorrow and longing.
    • 2.44: "To the Angel Spirit of the Most Excellent Sir Philip Sidney"
      This page features a poetic tribute to a deceased figure, celebrating their divine qualities and the impact of their spirit. The speaker mourns the loss, expressing deep admiration and a desire to honor their memory. Through themes of grief and devotion, the poem explores the limitations of words in conveying the subject's greatness, ultimately affirming the enduring nature of their legacy.
    • 2.45: "Psalm 51"
      This page conveys a heartfelt poetic plea for divine mercy and purification, highlighting the speaker's acknowledgment of sinfulness and desire for spiritual cleansing. It emphasizes the significance of a contrite heart over material offerings, seeking guidance to restore righteousness and peace. The speaker appeals to God's grace and compassion, ultimately expressing a deep relationship with the divine and a yearning for renewal and holiness.
    • 2.46: "Psalm 55"
      This page presents a heartfelt appeal to God during times of suffering and betrayal by a trusted friend. The speaker articulates deep feelings of anguish, fear, and the urgent need for divine help against malicious adversaries. It contrasts outward friendliness with hidden hostility, highlighting themes of trust and disappointment. The text ultimately emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God for protection and justice in the face of deceit and betrayal.
    • 2.47: "Psalm 57"
      This page contains a poem that conveys profound faith and trust in God's mercy amidst challenges and threats. The speaker seeks divine protection from fierce adversaries and expresses feelings of being trapped by their plots. It highlights the contrast between the speaker's helplessness and their devotion to praise God, emphasizing the greatness of His love and the importance of celebrating His glory across creation.
    • 2.48: "Psalm 84"
      This page expresses a poetic longing for divine presence and the joy found in God's dwelling. It contrasts happiness and safety in faith with the emptiness of a life without it. The text praises the strength and protection faith offers, portraying believers journeying to Zion as a symbol of closeness to God. Ultimately, it emphasizes the fulfillment and peace that come from devotion and reliance on God over worldly pursuits.
    • 2.49: "Psalm 102"
      This page features a heartfelt prayer expressing sorrow and desperation, seeking God's mercy during suffering. The speaker compares their pain to nature, feeling isolated and abandoned by both God and those who enjoy their misery. The prayer ends with a plea for restoration and hope, emphasizing faith in God's eternal presence and the renewal of Zion, encouraging reliance on divine mercy.
    • 2.50: "Psalm 150"
      This page highlights a poem that reveres God's greatness and holiness, urging all beings to honor Him with joyful music and various instruments. It compares the divine melody to that suited for a triumphant king and concludes with a call for universal praise of Jehovah, emphasizing the necessary reverence and adoration towards the divine.
    • 2.51: Reading and Review Questions
      This page analyzes Mary Herbert Spenser's poetry, particularly "Doleful Lay," highlighting her female perspective and use of nature imagery. It discusses her humility in dedicating Psalms translations to her brother and contrasts her portrayal with Elizabeth I's. The page also explores Spenser's expression of Protestant faith in her translations, distinguishing between personal and public faith within the constraints of her time.
    • 2.52: Christopher Marlowe
      This page details the life of Christopher Marlowe, a significant playwright and poet from 1564 known for works like Tamburlaine and Dr. Faustus, notable for his innovative use of blank verse. It discusses his controversial life, including his education, alleged espionage activities, and accusations of atheism that led to his arrest.
    • 2.53: The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus
      This page outlines the narrative of Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus," focusing on Faustus's ambitious pursuit of knowledge and power through necromancy. Key events include his pact with Lucifer for 24 years of service by Mephistophilis, his grappling with moral consequences, encounters with personified sins, and growing notoriety. As Faustus indulges in magic, he faces temptations, regrets, and the eventual realization of his tragic downfall.
    • 2.54: Reading and Review Questions
      This page analyzes Faustus's character, focusing on his ambition for knowledge and power, his affinity for magic, and his complex relationship with God. Despite warnings and chances for redemption, Faustus's hubris leads him to reject repentance, embodying themes of free will, despair, and the struggle between ambition and faith. The Old Man serves as a symbol of possible redemption, highlighting the religious tensions of Marlowe's time while questioning the limits of ambition.
    • 2.55: 2.13.0 William Shakespeare
      This page provides an overview of William Shakespeare's life, including his origins in Stratford-upon-Avon, his education, marriage to Anne Hathaway, and his recognition as an influential actor and playwright by the 1590s. It highlights his notable works, themes of love and beauty, co-ownership of the Globe Theater, and significant tragedies.
    • 2.56: Selected Sonnets
      This page presents sonnets that explore beauty, love, and human emotion's duality. It discusses how flaws can enhance beauty, contrasts idealized past perceptions with present realities, and emphasizes the uniqueness of modern love. The text also examines the tension between truth and deception in relationships, as partners often hold illusions about themselves and each other.
    • 2.57: Much Ado About Nothing
      This page explores the intertwining relationships and conflicts in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" amid themes of love, honor, deception, and misunderstanding. Key characters include Claudio, who is infatuated with Hero, and the witty Beatrice and Benedick, who engage in playful banter while concealing their feelings. Don John plots against Claudio and Hero, leading to false accusations and emotional turmoil.
    • 2.58: 2.13.3
      This page explores the climactic battles in "King Lear," highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. As Lear grapples with his daughters' treachery and finds solace in Cordelia, Edmund's manipulations drive the conflict. Key confrontations unfold, notably between Albany and Edmund, culminating in a duel that signifies justice and retribution.
    • 2.59: King Lear
      This page captures the tragic unfolding of Shakespeare's "King Lear," highlighting themes of familial betrayal, madness, and the consequences of pride. Initially, King Lear disowns Cordelia for her honesty, sparking a power struggle among his daughters, Goneril and Regan, and their scheming brother Edmund. As tensions rise, characters face treachery and moral complexity, culminating in Lear’s madness and despair over lost loyalty.

    Thumbnail: Sir Thomas More (Public Domain; Hans Holbein via Wikipedia)

    This page titled 2: The Tudor Age (1485-1603) is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Bonnie J. Robinson and Laura Getty (University of North Georgia Press) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.