Andrew Marvell Criticism
Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) was a prominent English poet and satirist known for his intellectual and allusive poetry, characteristic of the metaphysical school. Marvell's work, particularly renowned for its metaphorical complexity and thematic ambiguity, occupies an important place in English literature, alongside the work of poets like John Donne. His most celebrated poems, including "To His Coy Mistress" and "The Garden," exemplify this complexity and have been the subject of extensive critical analysis.
Marvell's "Cromwell Poems," which explore the political landscape of his time, have garnered significant scholarly interest, especially "An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland." This poem, in particular, stands out for its nuanced portrayal of Oliver Cromwell, reflecting both admiration and critical detachment. As noted by Joseph Anthony Mazzeo, Marvell draws parallels between Cromwell's political acumen and Machiavellian principles. Moreover, scholars like Kenneth Elliott argue for Marvell's favorable stance towards Cromwell throughout his writings.
Biographically, Marvell was born in Yorkshire, educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and was initially aligned with Royalist sympathies before his political involvement with the Parliamentarians. His career included roles as a tutor and a parliamentary representative, influenced by figures like John Milton. Despite his significant political involvement, Marvell's poetry, with its recurring themes of ambiguity and the duality of human experience, remains his lasting legacy.
Critically, Marvell's reputation has shifted from being considered a minor poet to a major figure in literary studies. This change, partly due to T. S. Eliot's pivotal work in the early 20th century, emphasizes Marvell's metaphysical wit and thematic depth. Scholars like Annabel Patterson argue that examining his entire body of work, particularly the Cromwell poems, reveals his evolving political perceptions and advances in understanding language and writing. The critical discourse often centers on the intrinsic ambiguities in Marvell's work, reflecting the tensions between spiritual and temporal concerns, as well as the dualities of action and contemplation.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Andrew Marvell's Cromwell Poems
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In the following essay on "Horatian Ode" and "The First Anniversary of the Government Under O.C.," Carens reconsiders Marvell's contradictory depiction of Cromwell.
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Cromwell as Machiavellian Prince in Marvell's An Horatian Ode
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In the essay below, Mazzeo compares 'An Horatian Ode' to Machiavelli's The Prince, arguing that the authors of both works are insightful on the subject of political leadership.
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The Actor and the Man of Action: Marveil's Horatian Ode
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In the essay below, Stead discusses the confusion which has surrounded the meaning of Marvell's 'Horatian Ode.'
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Against Polarization: Literature and Politics in Marvell's Cromwell Poems
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In the following excerpt, Patterson argues that it is only by considering all of his Cromwell poems that we can understand Marvell's changing perceptions of Cromwell.
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The Cromwell Poems
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Patterson argues that in his attempts to describe Cromwell, Marvell also advanced his understanding of language and writing.
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Andrew Marvell and Oliver Cromwell
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In the following essay, Elliott argues that throughout his poems about Cromwell, Marvell remains favorable to Cromwell.
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Power and Conscience: Marvell and the English Revolution
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In the excerpt below, Chernaik contrasts the political and world views presented in Marvell's "Horatian Ode" and "Upon Appleton House."
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Representing Cromwell: Marvell's Wiser Art
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In the essay below, Lawson compares Marvell's 'Horatian Ode' with other works of the period and argues that Marvell was presenting his own political views as well as a critique of political rhetoric in general.
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Antithesis and Resolution in the Character of Andrew Marvell's Cromwell and Fairfax
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In the following essay, Gonzalez compares 'Horatian Ode' with 'Upon Appleton House,' arguing that rather than being diametric opposites, Cromwell and Fairfax as described by Marvell share numerous elements.
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Cromwell Alone: Marvell as Cromwell's Poet
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In the following excerpt, Griffin discusses Marvell's support of Cromwell, particularly in relation to his poem "The First Anniversary," which defends Cromwell's actions as Lord Protector and critiques the English people's resistance to republican government.
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Andrew Marvell's Cromwell Poems
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- Further Reading