Students examine the two main traditions of English verse in this 'golden age of poetry': the metaphysical and neo-classical. Of the metaphysical poets, Donne and Herbert receive most attention, while Jonson and Herrick are most representative of the neo-classical tradition. Interesting variations within each mode are also considered. The emergence of women's writing in this context is important, especially in the works of Lanyer, Wroth, and Philips. Students consider such topics as the politics of desire, representing the sacred, the ideology of landscape, the emergence of the subject, and the usefulness of such terms as 'metaphysical,' and 'neo-classical.' Emphasis is placed on the thoughtful reading of poems in their cultural context for the purpose of appreciating each poet's literary art. Prerequisite: Any two of: ENGL 1100 or ENGL 1110 or ENGL 1120 or ENGL 1140 or ENGL 1210, completion of 45 credits, or permission of the instructor.
Students examine the two main traditions of English verse in this 'golden age of poetry': the metaphysical and neo-classical. Of the metaphysical poets, Donne and Herbert receive most attention, while Jonson and Herrick are most representative of the neo-classical tradition. Interesting variations within each mode are also considered. The emergence of women's writing in this context is important, especially in the works of Lanyer, Wroth, and Philips. Students consider such topics as the politics of desire, representing the sacred, the ideology of landscape, the emergence of the subject, and the usefulness of such terms as 'metaphysical,' and 'neo-classical.' Emphasis is placed on the thoughtful reading of poems in their cultural context for the purpose of appreciating each poet's literary art. Prerequisite: Any two of: ENGL 1100 or ENGL 1110 or ENGL 1120 or ENGL 1140 or ENGL 1210, completion of 45 credits, or permission of the instructor.
