17th-Century English Poets: Donne, Marvell, and Milton
John Donne (1572-1631)
Born in London to a Catholic family, John Donne studied at Oxford and Cambridge but didn’t receive a degree due to his faith. He worked for Sir Thomas Egerton for five years, but his true passion was poetry. Inspired by Ovid, Donne’s emotionally intense verses departed from the Petrarchan style, focusing on earthly love. His secret marriage to Anne More in 1601 resulted in imprisonment and job loss. The following decade brought poverty, but also a prolific period of writing both poetry and prose.
Early Life and Career
Donne’s Catholic background prevented him from receiving degrees despite studying at Oxford and Cambridge. His time with Egerton was marked more by friendship than by diligent work, as Donne preferred to focus on his poetry.
Poetic Style and Marriage
Donne’s poetry, influenced by Ovid, moved away from the Petrarchan style to embrace a more direct and emotionally charged language. His secret marriage to Anne More led to hardship and financial struggles.
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678)
A disciple of Donne, Andrew Marvell balanced the formal aspects of metaphysical poetry. A friend of Milton, he opposed the school of Dryden. His celebrated poems include “To His Coy Mistress” and “The Definition of Love.” His collected poems, Miscellaneous Poems, were published in 1681.
John Milton (1608-1674)
Born in London, John Milton’s father encouraged his studies in classical languages, Hebrew, and Italian. After Cambridge, he abandoned a religious career. In 1638, he traveled through France and Italy, meeting Galileo. Returning to England due to the civil war, he became involved in political and theological debates, defending Puritanism. His 1642 marriage to Mary Powell ended quickly, leading Milton to write in favor of divorce. This resulted in censorship issues and his 1644 publication of Areopagitica, a defense of free speech. An anti-monarchist, he served under Cromwell. After the Restoration, his political ideals were dashed, and his blindness became complete. He then dedicated his final years to poetry.
Early Life and Travels
Milton’s early education included classical languages, Hebrew, and Italian. His travels in Europe included a meeting with Galileo.
Political and Theological Views
Milton’s return to England marked his involvement in political and religious debates, where he staunchly defended Puritanism. His marriage and subsequent divorce led to his defense of free speech in Areopagitica.
Later Life and Legacy
Milton’s later years were marked by political disappointment and blindness. Despite these challenges, he dedicated himself to poetry, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.