Classic and Contemporary Poets

Alexander Brome (1620–1666) was an English poet and attorney who lived during the turbulent period leading up to and following the English Civil War. His poetry captures the spirit of the Royalist cause and offers insights into the society and culture of 17th-century England.

Literary Background and Early Influences

Alexander Brome was not only a lawyer but also an enthusiastic cavalier, which greatly influenced his poetic themes and style. He lived during a time of significant upheaval and his works reflect the Royalist sentiments before, during, and after the Commonwealth period. He was greatly influenced by the works of Ben Jonson and the other Cavalier poets such as Richard Lovelace, Thomas Carew, and Sir John Suckling, who all wrote lyrical poetry with an emphasis on honor, loyalty, and chivalry.

Poetic Schools or Movements

Brome's poetry is associated with the Cavalier poets, a group known for their loyalty to the monarchy, particularly King Charles I during the English Civil War. This group of poets is characterized by their light-hearted approach, elegant and sometimes amatory verse, and a predilection for the classical allusion. Their poetry often reflects a hedonistic lifestyle, marked by a carefree nature and the courtly ideals of loyalty, gallantry, and honor.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes

Brome's poetry is lively and often humorous, capturing the vanities and follies of his time with a wit that sometimes veers into the satirical. His themes are varied, but there's a distinct leaning towards the pleasures of life, including drinking songs and amorous adventures, which sit alongside more somber reflections on the state of England during its times of turmoil.

He published a volume of his work, "Songs and Other Poems," in 1661, which includes verses that range from the comic to the serious, showcasing his versatility as a poet. Despite not being a professional writer, Brome’s literary output is considered significant for the period, especially for his contributions to Cavalier poetry and the insights his work provides into the cultural life of the Royalist side during the Civil War.

Influence and Honors

Although Brome's work was popular during his lifetime and he was praised by his contemporaries, his poetry did not maintain a lasting influence in the way that some of his peers' work did. His reputation largely faded after his death, and he is often seen as a lesser figure in the canon of English literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alexander Brome was a man of his time, embodying the Cavalier spirit in his life and work. His poems are a valuable part of the literary heritage of the 17th century, offering insight into the Royalist mentality and the cultural life of the era. While he may not have achieved the timeless acclaim of some of his contemporaries, Brome’s work remains an interesting, if not critical, component of the study of the period’s literature, reflecting the vibrant and often contradictory currents of a society in the midst of profound change.

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