Classic and Contemporary Poets

William Broome (1689–1745) was an English poet and translator, known primarily for his contributions to Alexander Pope's translation of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey." As a literary figure, he is often regarded as a secondary poet of the Augustan age, overshadowed by the towering figures of his contemporaries like Pope and Jonathan Swift, yet his work in translation was crucial to the era's classical revival.

Literary Background: Broome came of age in an era when the neoclassical ethos prevailed, valorizing the ancient Greek and Roman writers. This was a period that saw the English language and literature reaching new heights of refinement and becoming a vehicle for sophisticated expression, capable of rivaling the classics.

Early Influences: As a scholar and cleric, Broome's work was influenced by the classical education that was the standard of his time. His translations indicate a thorough knowledge of Latin and Greek, as well as an alignment with the Augustan aesthetic principles of clarity, order, and rational beauty.

Poetic Schools or Movements: William Broome can be categorized within the neoclassical movement of the early 18th century, which was characterized by a fondness for classical forms, a sense of decorum in literary expression, and a belief in poetry as a moral force.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes: While not a prolific poet in his own right, Broome's oeuvre consists of translations and occasional poetry that reflect the Augustan values.

*Translation Work: Broome is most remembered for his collaboration with Pope in the translation of Homer. His work was integral to the project's completion, and while Pope's name is most associated with the final product, Broome's translations of several books of the "Odyssey" and his annotations were significant contributions.

*Occasional Poetry: His own poetry, which includes various occasional pieces, is less celebrated but adheres to the period's conventions of wit, moralization, and adherence to classical forms and methods.

*Sermons and Theological Works: As an Anglican clergyman, Broome also wrote sermons and theological treatises, reflecting the period's intertwining of religious and literary discourses.

Influence: Broome's primary influence was not as an original poet but as a translator. His translations contributed to the English-speaking world's understanding and appreciation of classical texts, a cornerstone of the era's literary culture.

Honors: While Broome never achieved the fame or honors of his collaborator Pope, his scholarly work was respected in his time. His role in the Homer translations is still recognized by scholars of the period, even if it is often overshadowed by Pope's dominant reputation.

Conclusion: William Broome represents the scholarly and translation aspects of the neoclassical movement in English literature. While his name may not stand out on the marquee of the period's literary figures, his contributions to one of the era's most significant translation projects ensure his place in the annals of literary history. Broome's work reflects the era's values of clarity, moral purpose, and reverence for the classical past, and his life as a cleric-poet exemplifies the close relationship between the literary and the ecclesiastical in the Augustan age. His translations, particularly those that supported Pope's monumental works, remain a testament to his erudition and to the collaborative spirit necessary to bring the classics anew to an 18th-century English readership.

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