Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC): Question Paper for Assistant Professor (College Education) – 2020 Paper-II (English-II)
Question 04. The poets of the early 16th century, such as Sir Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Philip Sidney, Mary Sidney, Michael Drayton, and Sir John Davies, have in recent times been called ______________ poets.
- A. Reformation
- B. Pre-Shakespearean
- C. Golden
- D. Silver
Answer: B. Pre-Shakespearean
Explanation: These poets are often referred to as Pre-Shakespearean poets. They were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Elizabethan Age and Shakespeare’s works.
The poets of the early 16th century, such as Sir Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Philip Sidney, Mary Sidney, Michael Drayton, and Sir John Davies, have in recent times been referred to as "Tudor Poets" or "Renaissance Poets" and "Pre-Shakespearean Poets." These designations highlight their significant contributions during the Tudor period and the English Renaissance, marking a pivotal transition in English literature towards new themes, forms, and expressions. [In England and Wales, the Tudor period occurred between 1485 and 1603, and included the Elizabethan era during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558–1603). The Tudor period coincides with the dynasty of the House of Tudor in England, which began with the reign of Henry VII.] Furthermore, the term "Pre-Shakespearean Poets" emphasizes their foundational role in the development of English poetry and literary forms before the emergence of William Shakespeare's works later in the 16th century, underlining their influence on the evolution of English literary tradition.
“Titans of the Renaissance: The Pioneering Poets of 16th Century England”
The poets Sir Thomas Wyatt, Henry Howard, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Philip Sidney, Mary Sidney, Michael Drayton, and Sir John Davies played pivotal roles in the development of English literature, particularly during the early to late 16th century. Each brought unique contributions and innovations to poetry and prose, influencing not only their contemporaries but also the course of English literature as a whole.
Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–1542)
Sir Thomas Wyatt is credited with introducing the sonnet form to English literature, adapting it from Petrarch, an Italian poet. His poems, which often reflected personal experiences, especially those concerning love and politics, laid the groundwork for subsequent English poetic forms and themes. Wyatt’s work is noted for its sophistication, wit, and the introduction of the Petrarchan sonnet structure into English.
Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (1517–1547)
Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was a contemporary of Wyatt and is known for his contributions to the development of the English sonnet. He is credited with creating the Shakespearean sonnet format, refining the structure into three quatrains and a concluding couplet. His execution of blank verse in translation of the Aeneid was groundbreaking, influencing future poetic forms.
Sir Walter Ralegh (c. 1552–1618)
Sir Walter Ralegh was a versatile figure: a poet, soldier, courtier, explorer, and patron of the arts. His poetry is characterized by its eloquence, exploration of love, and reflections on life and death. Ralegh’s works contributed to the cultivation of the Elizabethan poetic form and its themes of exploration and the human condition.
Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)
Sir Philip Sidney was a poet, courtier, and soldier, whose works exemplify the ideal of the Renaissance man. His “Astrophil and Stella” sonnet sequence is a masterpiece of Elizabethan poetry, blending emotional depth with intellectual rigor. Sidney’s “Defence of Poesy” is one of the earliest works of English literary criticism, advocating for the importance of poetry in society.
Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke (1561–1621)
Mary Sidney, sister to Philip Sidney, was an influential literary figure in her own right, known for her patronage of the arts and her skill as a poet and translator. She completed the translation of the Psalms, which her brother had begun, and her salon was a center for literary and cultural development during the Elizabethan era.
Michael Drayton (1563–1631)
Michael Drayton was a versatile poet known for his historical and topographical works, including the vast “Poly-Olbion,” which provides a detailed, poetic description of England and Wales. His contributions to the development of the Elizabethan sonnet and pastoral poetry were significant, and his works reflect a deep engagement with English history and the landscape.
Sir John Davies (1569–1626)
Sir John Davies was noted for his legal and philosophical writings as well as his poetry. His poem “Nosce Teipsum” explores the nature of the human soul and the concept of immortality. Davies’ work is distinguished by its intellectual depth and mastery of form, contributing to the evolution of metaphysical poetry.
Each of these poets contributed uniquely to the fabric of English literature, their innovations in form, style, and theme laying the foundations for the rich literary traditions that followed. Through their mastery of the English language and their exploration of contemporary themes, they helped to shape the course of English poetry and prose, leaving a legacy that continues to influence writers and readers to this day.