‘A Song (Absent from Thee)’ L.O. to explore how aspects of love are presented in the poem

The poem- a basic understanding of meaning In pairs, read the poem alongside the modern translation. Discuss how you would fill the blanks This poem is a dramatic monologue; but the speaker uses the classical form of the lyric disingenuously – not to express raw emotion but to use self-serving logic to persuade the lady that she should approve his philandering.

AO3: ‘A Song (Absent from Thee)’ Puritan morality imposed on society 1649-59 by Cromwell Highly religious, strictly Protestant ethics promoting a simple life and purity of mind and body Restoration poets following the Royalists’ return to power celebrates the freedom from regulation following Cromwell’s strict Puritan society. Some of Rochester’s poetry has similarities to the bawdy Restoration drama of the time: scandalous, sexual content; but he also satirises the characters he describes (much like Lovelace in ‘The Scrutiny’) Oliver Cromwell dominates Parliament then becomes Lord Protector until his death in 1658 Royalist society once more Rise of Restoration poetry John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester 1647-1680 Another Cavalier poet, though slightly later than our previous examples Charles the 2nd becomes king 1660, restoring the Royalists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA5abHKvUBQ Heart shaped handout- context for this poem (AO3)

New vocab for this poem– put into sentences He displays insouciance (a lack of concern) towards his listener His frank admission in lines 6/7 typifies his scandalous lewdness / lasciviousness/ wanton nature This poem is typical of the Restoration period and Cavalier poetry: an amoral (no sense of moral wrongdoing) rakish (improper) figure, who seeks sexual gratification with disregard for Christian marriage values and lives true to a carpe diem and hedonistic spirit.

Key words to understand (AO2) Prove (v) Die or become no longer valid Fantastick (Adj) Could mean ‘wild’ in the contemporary context Languish (v) Could mean ‘test’ in the contemporary context Base (v) To suffer or weaken Expire (Adj) Without moral principles OR describes someone of low social class

Understanding and Interpretation: Fan and Pick Person 1 Fans the cards Person 2 Chooses card for person to their left Person 3 Answers the question Person 4 Extends the thinking – what can you add? Understanding and Interpretation: Fan and Pick Pass on the cards after each question (clockwise) Make sure that you have answered all the questions with your group (do help each other!) Annotate the poem with ideas as you go

Work with your face partner Anything else? Work with your face partner Did you notice…? …the examples of alliteration in the poem? Where and why are they used? …the abstract nouns? …the internal rhyme? Where/why/how? Impact? …how he portrays his lady as morally superior? (where?) …his apparent self-deprecating attitude and alleged reluctance to test this ‘world of Woe’? Does he believe himself helpless to his urges? How do you respond to this?

Do you agree with this summary of the poem? Why/why not? 1 minute thinking time Think Share ideas with your partner Pair Feedback as a class Share Do you agree with this summary of the poem? Why/why not? This poem is a ‘one-sided dialogue’, apparently between a lover and his wife or mistress, similar to the poems by Donne, Marvell and Lovelace. In this case, the voice of the poet asks for her patience, loyalty and ultimate forgiveness whilst he is away from her. Then he can eventually return to her ‘safe bosom’ and avoid staying with someone ‘base’ and ‘unblest’, there to ‘lose my everlasting rest’ condemned to hell.

Critical viewpoints – make a note of these three views and choose one to respond to. Agree/disagree? Overview- why? Key reasons why, linked to writer’s methods, typicality and context Counter argument Conclusion “His songs are commonly smooth and easy; but have little nature and no sentiment.” Dr Johnson He portrays love with thinly veiled scorn and this poem is not really about an apology to his mistress at all. The speaker expresses a difficulty with monogamous love but longs to re-commit to his lady’s ‘safe Bosom’.