Classic and Contemporary Poets

Sir Richard Blackmore is an intriguing figure in the annals of English literature, primarily known as a physician and writer. Born in 1654, his life spanned a rich period in English history, full of political and intellectual upheaval. His literary contributions are often overshadowed by his medical career and by the more prominent poets of his time, but they nonetheless provide valuable insights into the culture and values of late 17th and early 18th-century England.

Literary Background

Blackmore's literary career was nurtured in the intellectual climate of the Restoration period, which followed the return of Charles II to the English throne in 1660. This was a time when the arts flourished, but there was also a strong interest in science and philosophy, thanks to the influence of the Royal Society, of which Blackmore was a member. He was a contemporary of greats such as John Dryden and Alexander Pope, who, incidentally, lampooned Blackmore in "The Dunciad."

Early Influences

As a student of the Cartesian philosophy and a devout Christian, Blackmore's writings often grappled with reconciling scientific thought with religious belief. His early influences were the classical poets, as well as the Bible, and his works frequently reflect his dedication to moral and religious ideals.

Poetic Schools or Movements

Blackmore's poetry is typically associated with the Augustan poets, characterized by their adherence to classical forms, a didactic tone, and an emphasis on reason and order which mirrored the social ideals of the age. However, Blackmore's work was often at odds with the more satirical and sometimes cynical tones of his contemporaries. His poetry strove for moral instruction and upheld virtues that he considered under threat from the more libertine elements of his society.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes

Blackmore's poetic output includes several long epic poems, such as "Prince Arthur" (1695) and "King Arthur" (1697), which were designed to rival classical epics and to provide moral exemplars through their heroic characters. These works reflect the Augustan preoccupation with order and virtue but were criticized in their time for their perceived lack of poetic imagination.

His later works include "The Creation" (1712), which is an attempt to marry the Biblical account of creation with contemporary scientific understanding. This work, arguably his most enduring poetic achievement, is reflective of his deep religious convictions and his attempt to navigate the tensions between science and faith.

Influence and Honors

Blackmore was knighted by King William III in 1697, more for his services as a physician than for his literary output. His influence as a poet was minimal in comparison to his contemporaries, and his literary reputation suffered from the satire and criticism of fellow writers. However, his work does have a place in the tapestry of English literature for its earnestness and its representation of a particular strand of moral and philosophical thought.

Conclusion

Sir Richard Blackmore's poetry is an acquired taste, seldom celebrated for its aesthetic virtues, yet it offers a window into the mindset of a learned, morally earnest, and philosophically engaged individual in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His works may lack the enduring appeal of the era's more prominent poets, but they stand as monuments to the values and intellectual struggles of a man who was at once a product of his time and an outlier in the literary community. His epic poems, despite their lack of popularity, embody a fusion of chivalric nostalgia with a firm commitment to virtue and piety, reflecting the complexities of a rapidly evolving society.

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