Classic and Contemporary Poets

Richard Corbet (1582–1635) was an English poet and bishop known for his light verse and convivial wit. His poetry is not as widely studied as that of some of his contemporaries, like John Donne or Ben Jonson, but it provides valuable insights into the cultural and social milieu of early 17th-century England, particularly the ecclesiastical and academic circles in which he moved.

Literary Background

Corbet was a part of the transition from the Elizabethan era of poetry, which celebrated the ornate and pastoral, to the metaphysical style of poetry, which embraced intellectual playfulness and conceit. His position as a churchman and a member of the upper class provided him with a perspective that informed much of his poetic work.

Early Influences

Corbet was educated at Westminster School and later at Christ Church, Oxford. The intellectual environment of the university, coupled with the religious and political ferment of the time, significantly influenced his writing. He was part of the same broad circle of poets that included John Donne, George Herbert, and Robert Herrick, and while his work did not delve as deeply into metaphysical complexities as Donne’s, it certainly shared the wit and the love of clever conceit that characterized the metaphysical poets.

Poetic Schools or Movements

Richard Corbet's poetry cannot be neatly categorized into a specific school or movement, as his work is somewhat eclectic. However, he can be loosely associated with the metaphysical poets due to the period in which he wrote and the intellectual wit demonstrated in his verse. His style is noted for its comedic and satirical elements, and he often wrote in a relaxed, conversational tone that belied the more formal nature of his ecclesiastical office.

Poetic Oeuvre

Corbet is known for a relatively small body of poetry that shows a penchant for humor and satire. His most famous poems include "The Fairies' Farewell," a humorous lament supposedly by the fairies being forced to leave England because of the decline of belief in the supernatural, and "A Proper New Ballad of the Broomstick," which satirizes domestic relations. His poems often reflect the manners and mores of his time, and while they can appear light and entertaining, they also sometimes provide a critical commentary on society and the Church.

Themes in Corbet’s poetry include:

*Satire and Humor: Many of his poems display a keen wit and a taste for satirical commentary on the absurdities of society.

*Religious Reflection: As a bishop, his work occasionally touches on religious themes, though often in a less serious or traditional manner than might be expected.

*Commentary on Society: His work frequently serves as a social commentary, offering insights into the cultural and social practices of his time.

Influence

Richard Corbet's influence on later poetry is modest compared to that of the major metaphysical poets. His verse is most often noted for its entertainment value and as a reflection of the culture of the early 17th century rather than for its innovative style or profound thematic contributions.

Honors

Corbet’s honors were more ecclesiastical than literary; he rose to become the Bishop of Oxford and later the Bishop of Norwich. His literary work was appreciated during his lifetime by his contemporaries for its wit and charm rather than its scholarly or literary gravitas.

Conclusion

Richard Corbet remains an interesting figure in English literary history, if a minor one compared to his more illustrious contemporaries. His poetry offers a glimpse into the wit and levity that could be found in early 17th-century verse, providing a contrast to the more serious and earnest works of his metaphysical peers. While his writing might not have shaped the course of English poetry to come, it adds depth and color to our understanding of the period, revealing the diversity of poetic expression that existed alongside the more well-recognized metaphysical tradition.

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