Caroline Age (1625 – 1649)

This age is named after Charles I who reigned over England from 1625 to 1649. “Caroline” is derived from “Caroles”, the Latin version of “Charles”. This age is also a part of the Puritan Age (1620-1660).

The important facts which influenced the literature of this period are:

  1. There was a civil war between “Cavaliers” and “Roundheads”. Those who supported the King were called “Cavaliers”. Most of them were lords and their dependants. “Roundheads” were those who supported parliament. Most of them were puritans.
    A group of lyric poets associated with the “Cavaliers” is called “Cavalier poets”. Richard Lovelace, Sir John Suckling, Robert Herrick, and Thomas Carew were the members of this group. These poets are also called Sons of Ben as they were the admirers and followers of Ben Jonson. Their poems are trivial, gay, witty, and often licentious.
  1. In 1642 English theatre was officially closed. On 14 June 1643 Licensing Order for printing was passed.
  2. The Cavaliers were defeated; the King was caught and publicly beheaded on 30th January 1649. His death marked the dissolution of monarchy for the time being.
  3. English colonies were further expanded.
  4. Oliver Cromwell emerged as a puritan leader and came to power in 1649.

Major Writers of the Period and Their Major Works:

Donne and Herbert continued writing their metaphysical poetry. Henry Vaughan (1621-95) and Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) also wrote metaphysical poetry.

John Milton (1608-74):
Comus (1634)
Lycidas (1637)
“Of Education” (1644)
“Areopagitica” (1644)

Main Literary Features of the Age:

  1. Drama declines significantly.
  2. Literature reflects the revival of moral and intellectual awakening.
  3. Elizabethan enthusiasm and national spirit disappear.
  4. The literary scenario is overshadowed by gloom and pessimism.
  5. Critical and intellectual spirit replaces the natural outpouring of the heart.
  6. Renaissance’s influence continues.
  7. Three types of poetry:
    • Puritan poetry, 
    • Metaphysical poetry,
    • Cavalier poetry.
  1. Cavalier poets appear and disappear; their straightforward, erotic short poems with the motto “carpe diem” disappear with them.
  2. Sermons, pamphlets, history and philosophy are written in   ‘ prose.