1. The Period of the Cavalier Poets
(approximately ) [part of the late Renaissance] 1

2. Late Renaissance
After Elizabeth I died childless, English society quickly went downhill.
In 1642 England erupted in a civil war.
Those who supported the monarchy were called Cavaliers.
Those who supported Parliament were known as Roundheads. 2

3. Poetry of the Cavaliers
Many Cavaliers wrote musical, light-hearted verse that was popular with the royal court.
The Cavalier Poets frequently advocated the philosophy of Carpe Diem.
This was in juxtaposition to the serious tone of most poetry, such as Milton’s. Many felt that poetry should only be about elevated topics like religion and philosophy. Therefore, it should be more didactic in nature. 3

4. Carpe Diem Carpe Diem means “seize the day”.
In other words, the philosophy of carpe diem means to live for the moment! Live life to the fullest here and now.
The philosophy of carpe diem is not limited to British literature, but it can be found throughout world literature. 4

5. Pastoral Poetry Detailed definition on page 264
As people move into the bigger cities, they begin to romanticize rural life.
Pastoral poetry has idealized countryside, often with carefree maidens and shepherds.
Imagery, diction, and argument used is highly sophisticated, clearly not rural.
Poems are not only “Carpe Diem” in nature, but are nostalgic for simpler, more innocent times or longing for “something else” (to quote the textbook). 5

6. Young, Lusty Gentlemen
Christopher Marlowe- died in a bar brawl, stabbed above the eye
Sir Walter Raleigh-one of the first Englishmen bold enough to grow potatoes and smoke tobacco, imprisoned in the Tower of London and executed
(Also Sir Robert Suckling and Richard Lovelace- see pages )
Robert Herrick-preacher who hated his parish, calling the people there “dull” and “loathed,” taught his pet pig to drink from a mug
Andrew Marvell- “the most major of the minor British poets,” saved Milton’s life when Royalist came back into power, rumored to have been poisoned because he hated King Charles II so much 6