Rochester
The Poems in Context

A major new study of the notorious Restoration rake-poet, set in his intellectual context.

Marianne Thormählen (Author)

9780521024419, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 March 2006

396 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 2.3 cm, 0.591 kg

The reputation of John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, as a rake has imparted an air of dilettantism to his poetry. By contrast, Rochester: The Poems in Context emphasizes his sharp, restless intellect, a more powerful driving force in his poems than the sensual appetites stressed by previous critics. Marianne Thormählen uncovers his familiarity with, and sly allusions to, events and leading characters in Restoration politics; his awareness of trends in science, theology and philosophy; his acute representations of contemporary mores; and his commitment to high standards in literary craftsmanship. A more complex picture of Rochester emerges: that of a serious artist tackling major issues during a particularly turbulent period in English history. Alongside its literary analyses, the book offers insights into late seventeenth-century culture: religious discord, the position of women scholars and poets, military matters, statecraft and foreign affairs under Charles II, and developments in philosophy and science.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I. Cupid and Bacchus: 1. Cupid and Bacchus
Part II. Men and Women: 2. The love lyrics
3. 'The imperfect enjoyment' and 'A ramble in Saint James's Parke'
4. 'A letter from Artemiza in the Towne to Chloe in the Countrey'
Part III. Pride and Philosophy: 5. Upon nothing
6. 'A Satyr against Reason and Mankind': the context
7. 'A Satyr against Reason and Mankind': the argumentation
Part IV. Court and Social: 8. 'Tunbridge Wells'
9. 'Timon'
10. Court satires and lampoons
Part V. Craft and Art: 11. 'An allusion to horace'
12. The poems on mulgrave and scroope
Epilogue
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: poetry & poets [DSC]