Classic and Contemporary Poets

Edward Benlowes (1603–1676) was an English poet, known for his extravagant style and his generous patronage of other literary figures during the seventeenth century. He is most renowned for his work "Theophila" (1652), a lengthy Baroque poem that exemplifies his ornate and imaginative literary style. His work largely fell into obscurity after his death, but recent scholarship has taken new interest in his unique contributions to the Baroque tradition in English literature.

Literary Background and Early Influences

Benlowes was educated at St John’s College, Cambridge, which was a center for religious and literary studies during his time. He inherited considerable wealth, which allowed him the freedom to pursue literary endeavors and to support other writers and poets. His literary works show the influence of the metaphysical poets and also draw on the earlier tradition of the Elizabethan and Jacobean poets.

Poetic Schools or Movements

Benlowes is often associated with the Metaphysical poets due to the era in which he wrote, although his work does not fully align with the characteristics of this group, such as the use of concise metaphysical conceits or deep philosophical inquiries. Instead, Benlowes' poetry is marked by a Baroque flamboyance, filled with elaborate imagery and stylistic excesses that were popular on the Continent, especially among the Marinist poets in Italy, but less so in England.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes

"Theophila" is Benlowes' magnum opus, a spiritual autobiography and religious allegory that takes inspiration from his own life and the spiritual journey of its titular heroine. The poem’s structure is emblematic, each section accompanied by elaborate engravings by the artist Francis Barlow. Its style is highly ornate, replete with allusions to classical mythology and the Bible, and it displays an intense devotion combined with a sense of personal, even idiosyncratic, religious experience.

Beyond "Theophila," Benlowes' body of work consists of a series of shorter poems and translations, as well as contributions to other authors' volumes, reflecting the generosity for which he was known among the literary community. His themes often circled around spiritual and moral subjects, reflecting the turbulent religious landscape of seventeenth-century England.

Influence and Honors

Benlowes’ influence during his lifetime was more as a patron than as a poet. He supported many writers, including the poet Francis Quarles, and his home at Brent Hall became a gathering place for literary figures. While "Theophila" was not widely acclaimed and was even ridiculed by some for its perceived lack of taste, it has garnered critical attention in the modern era for its complex allegory and as an example of Baroque literature in England.

Conclusion

Edward Benlowes remains a peripheral figure in the study of seventeenth-century English literature, his work interesting primarily as an example of the Baroque style applied to English religious poetry. His contributions as a patron of the arts are also significant for understanding the literary culture of his time. "Theophila" serves as a testament to his elaborate and personal vision of spiritual poetry, reflecting both the extravagance of his personality and the depth of his religious commitment. Benlowes' poetry, complex and somewhat eccentric, offers a rich field for scholarly exploration, shedding light on the lesser-known corners of English poetic tradition and the interplay between literature and spirituality in the Baroque period.

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