Caroline Age (1625-1649)

This age is named after Charles I who reigned over England from 1625 to 1649. "Caroline" is derived from "Carolus", the Latin version of "Charles". This age is also a part of the Puritan Age (1620-1660) . The important events of this period were: 

(1) There was a long 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" are 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 lyrics are trivial, gay, witty and often licentious. 

(2) In 1642 English theatre was officially closed. On 14 June 1643 Licensing Order for printing was passed.

(3)  The Cavaliers were defeated; the king was caught and publicly beheaded on 30thJanuary, 1649. 

       His death marked the dissolution of monarchy for the time being.

(4) English colonies were further expanded.

(5) Oliver Cromwell emerged as a puritan leader and came to power in 1649.

Writers and Their Major Works:

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

2.       John Milton (1608-74) started writing in this period and wrote—

                "Of Education"; (1644) "Areopagitica" (1644) Comus (1634) Lycidas (1637)

Literary Features: This age is not an age of drama. Drama collapsed because of the civil war and puritanical attack. Sermons, pamphlets, history and philosophy were written in prose. Metaphysical poetry was the main literary product of the age.

 

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