The Cavalier Poets
During the English Renaissance, two major groups of poets emerged: The Metaphysical poets
and the Cavalier poets. While the Metaphysical poets mainly were middle class, the Cavalier
poets often were aristocrats and supported the monarchy of Charles I. The most talented
Cavalier poets—Sir John Suckling, Robert Herrick, and Richard Lovelace—were called the
“Tribe” or “Sons of Ben,” as they modelled themselves after poet Ben Jonson.
There are many characteristics of Cavalier poetry that distinguish it from the Metaphysical
style. For example, the Cavaliers sought to entertain, rather than provoke, their audiences.
Also, they employed a conversational style that followed natural speech patterns, and they
used regular rhythmic patterns in their writing. However, like the Metaphysical poets, the
Cavaliers used elaborate conceits, or complicated metaphors.
Most of the Cavaliers were highly influenced by the classical Greek and Roman style. Their
subject matter, for example, usually revolved around romantic love, and the Cavaliers used
classical women’s names in their poetry. Other Cavalier poets expressed a philosophy or
theme called a carpe diem, or “seize the day,” in their work. This phrase was popularized by
poet Horace and encourages people to make the most out of every moment because of life’s
inherent uncertainty.
In the mid-1600s, civil war broke out in England between the Royalists and the
Parliamentarians. King Charles I was sentenced to death, and Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell
became the new leader of the Commonwealth. The Cavaliers, all supporters of the monarchy,
disappeared from the public eye. The monarchy eventually was restored in 1660 with the
coronation of Charles II. The only member of the “Tribe” who survived this era was Robert
Herrick.
Cavalier Poetry
✓Aristocrats
✓Supported the monarchy of Charles I
✓Sir John Suckling, Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace are the supporters.
✓The Cavaliers sought to entertain, rather than provoke, their audiences.
✓Including both question and answer
✓Conversational style – natural speech patterns
✓Regular rhythmic patterns
✓Highly influenced by Classic Greek and Roman style.
✓Women’s name taken from classical works.
✓Expresses a philosophy or theme (Carpe Diem)
✓Chivalric
✓Elegant and artificial style
✓Forerunners of the Augustan Age
✓Musical, lightered verse.
✓Accepted the ideal man of Renaissance Period:
