Course Overview
This course offers an immersive foray into the poetic landscapes of the Jacobean era, delving into its quintessential themes, intricate forms, and historical contexts under the reign of King James I (1603-1625). We shall engage in a discerning examination of the works of the foremost poets of the period, unraveling the ways in which their verse grappled with the complex social, political, and religious currents of their time. The syllabus will encompass a diverse array of poetic expressions and genres, from the profound inquiries of metaphysical poetry to the incisive wit of satire, the idyllic charms of pastoral verse, the elegant refinements of courtly lyricism, and the oft-overlooked yet invaluable contributions of female poets.
Session 1: Introduction to Jacobean Poetry
– Overview of the course and its objectives.
– Introduction to the Jacobean era: historical and cultural context.
– Key characteristics and themes of Jacobean poetry.
– Overview of major poets: John Donne, Ben Jonson, George Herbert, and others.
Session 2: John Donne and the Metaphysical Tradition
– Exploration of John Donne’s life, style, and works.
– Characteristics of metaphysical poetry: wit, conceits, and paradoxes.
– Close reading and analysis of selected poems by Donne (e.g., “The Flea,” “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” “Death Be Not Proud”).
– Discussion of Donne’s influence on Jacobean poetry and beyond.
Session 3: Ben Jonson and the Cavalier Poets
– Introduction to Ben Jonson’s role as a poet and satirist.
– Analysis of Jonson’s use of classical forms and themes in his poetry (e.g., “To Penshurst” and his epigrams).
– Overview of the Cavalier poets: Richard Lovelace, Thomas Carew, and Robert Herrick.
– Characteristics of Cavalier poetry: themes of loyalty, love, and carpe diem.
– Analysis of selected poems: “To Althea, from Prison” by Lovelace and “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Herrick.
Session 4: Religious Poetry and George Herbert
– Examination of George Herbert’s life and his contributions to religious poetry.
– Analysis of “The Temple” and selected poems (“The Collar,” “Easter Wings,” “Love (III)”).
– Discussion of Herbert’s use of imagery, form, and structure in his devotional verse.
– Comparison of Herbert’s work with that of other metaphysical poets.
Session 5: Female Poets of the Jacobean Era
– Introduction to the contributions of female poets during the Jacobean period.
– Examination of the works of Lady Mary Wroth and Aemilia Lanyer.
– Analysis of key texts: Wroth’s *Pamphilia to Amphilanthus* and Lanyer’s *Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum*.
– Discussion on the challenges faced by women writers in Jacobean England and their unique perspectives on love, politics, and religion.
Session 6: Andrew Marvell and the Blending of Traditions
– Introduction to Andrew Marvell as a poet situated between metaphysical and Cavalier traditions.
– Exploration of Marvell’s poetic style, metaphysical conceits, and political engagement.
– Analysis of selected poems: “To His Coy Mistress,” “The Garden,” and “An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland.”
– Discussion of Marvell’s unique contribution to Jacobean and 17th-century poetry.
Session 7: The Legacy of Jacobean Poetry
– Reflection on the lasting impact of Jacobean poetry on English literature.
– Examination of the influence of Jacobean poets on later generations, including the Caroline poets and the metaphysical revival.
– Discussion on the continued relevance of Jacobean themes, styles, and innovations.
– Final review and synthesis of key themes, poets, and texts covered in the course.