Cavalier Poetry – Literary Movement

 Explore Cavalier Poets of the Caroline Era (1625–1660)—Herrick, Lovelace, Suckling, Carew—themes, works & carpe diem for UGC NET JRF English.

🌹 Cavalier Poets (1625–1649)

🏰The Cavalier Poets were a group of 17th-century English lyric poets associated with the court of King Charles I. They supported the Royalist cause during the English Civil War, hence the term “Cavalier.” Their poetry reflects the courtly life, loyalty to the king, love, honor, and the philosophy of carpe diem (“seize the day”).

🌹 Cavalier Poetry – Literary Movement

📌 Context

• Flourished in the Caroline Era (1625–1649).

• Supported Charles I and Royalist court culture.

• Called “Sons of Ben” → followers of Ben Jonson.

✒️ Features

• Simplicity, clarity, grace, elegance.

• Carpe diem theme (enjoy the moment).

• Themes: love, loyalty, honor, friendship, beauty.

• Lyrical, musical, polished verses.

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🌟 Major Cavalier Poets & Works

1. Robert Herrick (1591–1674)

• Best known Cavalier poet.

• Works:

  • Hesperides (1648) – collection of over 1,000 poems.

  • Famous poems: To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time (“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may”), Corinna’s Going A-Maying.

• Themes: Carpe diem, rural life, joy, loyalty.

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2. Richard Lovelace (1618–1657)

• Soldier, courtier, poet – symbol of Cavalier gallantry.

• Works:

  • To Althea, from Prison (“Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage”).

  • To Lucasta, Going to the Wars (about love and duty to king).

• Themes: Loyalty, honor, freedom.

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3. Sir John Suckling (1609–1642)

• Known for wit, satire, and gambling lifestyle.

• Works:

  • Ballad Upon a Wedding.

  • A Session of the Poets.

• Themes: Amorous, witty, mocking tone, light-hearted love lyrics.

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4. Thomas Carew (1595–1640)

• More polished, influenced by Donne and Jonson.

• Works:

  • An Elegy upon the Death of the Dean of Paul’s, Dr. John Donne.

  • A Rapture (sensuous love poem).

• Themes: Love, courtly elegance, refinement.

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5. Others sometimes grouped with Cavaliers:

• Edmund Waller (1606–1687) – lyric poet, Go, Lovely Rose.

• William Davenant (1606–1668) – later Restoration poet, transitional.

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