Classic and Contemporary Poets

William Davenant (1606-1668), also spelled D'Avenant, was an English poet and playwright who bridged the literary worlds of the late Elizabethan and early Restoration periods. As the godson of William Shakespeare and the purported actual son of a tavern keeper, Davenant's life and career were marked by both the literary genius of the past and the evolving tastes of the new age.

Davenant's literary background is steeped in the traditions of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, but he is also a significant figure in the development of Restoration literature. His early works show the influence of his predecessors, notably Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, in their use of poetic language and complex characters. However, as he matured, Davenant's works began to reflect the changing political and social landscape of England, especially during and after the Civil War.

One of the early influences on Davenant was the theatrical tradition he inherited from Shakespeare. Though no definitive evidence confirms Shakespeare's paternity, the association influenced Davenant's reputation and perhaps his self-perception as a poet and playwright. He began his career as a pageant writer and eventually became a prominent playwright, with plays like "The Cruel Brother" (1627) and "The Wits" (1634).

Davenant was associated with the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and his literary works during this time were influenced by the political turmoil. After the war, he was knighted by Charles I and was appointed Poet Laureate, succeeding Ben Jonson in 1638. This honor was significant as it officially recognized his contributions to English literature.

In terms of poetic schools or movements, Davenant is often linked with the Cavalier poets due to his Royalist sympathies and the thematic concerns of his early lyrical poetry. However, his work also foreshadows the Restoration's emphasis on wit and the shift towards neoclassicism.

His poetic oeuvre includes a significant innovation in English literature: the introduction of the heroic couplet in long narrative poems, which would later be adopted by poets such as Dryden and Pope. His epic unfinished poem "Gondibert" (1651) is perhaps the most emblematic of his work in this vein. Though "Gondibert" was never completed, its preface is an important early critical essay on poetry. The poem attempted to blend the classical epic with modern sensibilities, but it was met with mixed reviews.

Davenant's themes often revolved around honor, love, and political loyalty, reflecting the values and conflicts of the Cavalier culture. After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Davenant's focus shifted to the stage, where he made significant contributions to the evolution of English drama. He experimented with operatic elements and was instrumental in the development of English opera, as seen in his work "The Siege of Rhodes" (1656), which is considered the first true English opera.

His influence on English literature was substantial, especially in drama. Davenant is credited with helping to keep theatre alive during the Interregnum when public performances were banned. He did this through his "operatic" presentations and semi-private theatrical performances. After the Restoration, he managed the Duke's Company and influenced the development of Restoration drama through both his managerial decisions and his own dramatic works.

As for honors, apart from his title as Poet Laureate, Davenant's legacy was his knighthood and his instrumental role in the evolution of English drama. Posthumously, his influence was recognized by the way he set the stage for Restoration theatre, both literally and figuratively.

In conclusion, William Davenant stands as a transitional figure in English literature, his life and work spanning a period of great upheaval and change. From the echoes of Shakespearean drama to the early murmurs of Restoration wit, Davenant's career encapsulates a turning point in the English literary tradition. His contributions, particularly to drama and the heroic couplet, as well as his innovative blending of genres, mark him as a pivotal character in the narrative of English poetry and theater. His efforts to maintain the continuity of dramatic arts during a period of prohibition reflect both his commitment to the craft and his adaptability, qualities that ensured his lasting impact on the culture of his time and beyond.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...