Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Davenant was an English poet and playwright in the 17th century. "Gondibert; An Heroic Poem" is an epic poem that was published in 1651. Book 3, Canto 7 is addressed to Mr. Cotton.

Context:

The 17th century was a time of great social and political change in England, with the English Civil War and the Restoration of the monarchy. The literary scene was dominated by the metaphysical poets and the Cavalier poets. Davenant was a Royalist and was imprisoned during the Civil War. The poem reflects the influence of the classical tradition on English literature.

Content:

The poem is addressed to Mr. Cotton and celebrates their friendship. Davenant praises Cotton's virtues and talents, including his skill as a poet and his loyalty as a friend. He also reflects on the nature of friendship and the importance of loyalty and trust. The poem ends with a call for their friendship to endure beyond this life.

Form:

The poem consists of 44 lines of iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCCDEEDFGGHIJKKLLMMNOOPP. It is written in a formal, elevated style, with a focus on the theme of friendship. The poem's structure is carefully crafted to build to a climax, with the final lines expressing the poet's hope that their friendship will endure beyond this life.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of metaphor and symbolism to describe the nature of friendship, including the image of a "celestial flame" and the idea of friendship as a "sacred band." Davenant also uses allusion to classical literature, including references to Virgil and Homer. The poem also features a number of poetic devices, including imagery, figurative language, and rhetorical questions.

Summary:

The poem is a tribute to friendship and celebrates the virtues of loyalty, trust, and talent. It is notable for its use of classical allusions and its focus on the theme of friendship. The poem is a reflection of the influence of the classical tradition on English literature, as well as the importance of friendship in the context of the turbulent 17th century. Overall, the poem is a well-crafted tribute that celebrates the enduring nature of friendship.

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