3: The Seventeenth Century - The Age of Revolution (1603-1688)
- Page ID
- 7742
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)After reading this chapter, you will be able to:
- Analyze the causes for the Civil War in which Parliamentarians opposed the Royalists.
- Describe the reasons for the Restoration of Monarchy in England in 1661.
- Analyze the religious conflicts that led to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
- Describe the growth of knowledge and reason as sources of individual authority and individual rights.
- Compare Metaphysical poetry with Elizabethan poetry.
- Describe distinguishing features of Classical, Metaphysical, and Cavalier poetry.
- Describe the influence of courtiers and intellectuals on seventeenth-century drama.
- Compare Milton’s epic Paradise Lost with Spenser’s epic The Faerie Queene.
- 3.1: Introduction
- This page discusses the significant political and literary changes in England from Elizabeth I's death through the 17th century. It details the evolving monarchy-Parliament relationship, leading to civil conflict and the rise of individual rights during the Glorious Revolution.
- 3.2: Recommended Reading
- This page provides an overview of significant academic works addressing historical and literary themes in early modern England, emphasizing gender and class dynamics, the printing press's impact, the scientific revolution, and societal changes of the 16th and 17th centuries. It sheds light on the social fabric and intellectual evolution of the time, particularly regarding women's roles and the context of societal revolution in England.
- 3.3: John Donne (1572-1631)
- This page details the life of John Donne, highlighting his challenges as a Catholic in England, his education, and travels. It describes his literary innovation through metaphysical conceits, his troubled marriage, and subsequent conversion to Anglicanism. Donne became a notable preacher and writer who explored themes of love and spirituality. The summary concludes with his death during his own funeral sermon.
- 3.3.1: The Good Morrow
- 3.3.2: The Sun Rising
- 3.3.3: The Indifferent
- 3.3.4: Break of Day
- 3.3.5: Love’s Alchemy
- 3.3.6: The Flea
- 3.3.7: A Valediction- Forbidding Mourning
- 3.3.8: Holy Sonnet 3
- 3.3.9: Holy Sonnet 4
- 3.3.10: Holy Sonnet 5
- 3.3.11: Holy Sonnet 10
- 3.3.12: Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions- Meditation 17
- 3.3.13: Reading and Review Questions
- 3.4: Aemilia Lanyer (1569-1645)
- This page discusses Aemilia Lanyer's largely unknown early life and her significance as a published woman in the 17th century. Married to musician Alfonso Lanyer and previously involved with Henry Cary, she authored "Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum" in 1611, a collection of religious poetry that defies traditional gender roles and reinterprets Biblical figures.
- 3.5: Ben Jonson (1572-1637)
- This page examines the life and work of Ben Jonson, a key figure in early modern English theater, highlighting his influences, legal troubles, and contributions to drama and poetry. It explores comedic interactions among characters in his plays, focusing on themes like ambition, deception, and the pursuit of wealth through alchemy. Various dialogues illustrate the absurdities of their schemes and rivalries, culminating in critiques of greed and social dynamics.
- 3.6: Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
- This page covers Robert Herrick's life as a Cavalier Poet, highlighting his personal struggles and his influential work, *Hesperides*. It delves into his poetry's themes, such as love, nature, and the transient nature of life, using a blend of humor and seriousness.
- 3.7: Andrew Marvell (1621-1678)
- This page provides an in-depth overview of Andrew Marvell's life and literary contributions, shaped by personal experiences like his father's death. It categorizes his works into pre- and post-Restoration, emphasizing his connection to metaphysical poetry and his skill in exploring themes of love, mortality, and nature.
- 3.8: Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle (1623-1673)
- This page explores the life and works of Margaret Cavendish, a pioneering female author who challenged societal norms and male literary traditions. Her family's moral upbringing and reflections on love highlight the values of integrity and virtue, contrasting superficiality. The narrative delves into her fantastical worlds, where philosophical inquiries on nature, science, and spirituality unfold through dialogues with unique characters, including an Empress and spirits.
- 3.09: John Milton (1608-1674)
- This page provides an overview of John Milton's life, works, and themes in "Paradise Lost," highlighting the contrast between joy and sorrow in his poetry. It examines the fall of Adam and Eve through temptation, the significance of free will, and the nature of sin and redemption. Key concepts include the duality of good and evil, the consequences of disobedience, and the quest for grace, culminating in the hope of salvation and the promise of restoration.
- 3.10: John Dryden (1631-1700)
- This page covers various literary and historical themes, including John Dryden's contributions to neoclassicism and the impact of naval battles between England and the Dutch, reflecting on human ambition, honor, and the emotional struggles faced by leaders and lovers like Antony and Cleopatra.
- 3.11: Samuel Pepys (1633-1703)
- This page chronicles Samuel Pepys' experiences as he navigates personal and professional challenges during significant historical events, notably the Great Fire of London. His detailed Diary reflects societal changes, emotional conflicts, and observations on government affairs. Amidst a backdrop of chaos, including a plague and political turmoil, Pepys addresses family dynamics, financial concerns, and his loyalty to his wife.
- 3.12: Key Terms
- This page explores 17th century England, focusing on key figures and events intertwined with politics, religion, and literature. It covers the roles of Charles I and II, the Civil War, and the emergence of Dissenters and Royalists. Important contributions from figures like Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Christopher Wren, along with the rise of metaphysical poetry, are highlighted.
Thumbnail: Depiction of Satan, the central character of John Milton's Paradise Lost c. 1866 (Public Domain; Gustave Doré via Wikipedia)


