The Life of Cowley” as a Literary Criticism
The Life of Cowley is a notable literary work by Samuel Johnson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Life of Cowley.
Answer
Consider Johnson’s “The Life of Cowley” as a literary criticism.
Samuel Johnson’s (1709-1784) “The Life of Cowley,” part of his collection of essays “Lives of English Poets,” (1779-1781), is both a biography and a critical essay. In this work, Johnson not only recounts the life of Abraham Cowley (1618-1667) but also critically examines his writings. He offers insights into Cowley’s poetic style, themes, and contributions to literature, which we discuss below.
Background of Abraham Cowley: Abraham Cowley was a prominent poet in the 17th century, known for his diverse body of work. He was a child prodigy, publishing his first collection of poems at the age of 15. Cowley’s literary career spanned different genres, including lyrical, pastoral, and epic poetry. His most ambitious work is the unfinished epic “Davideis.”
Critical Analysis of Cowley’s Works is in the following:
Miscellanies: Abraham Cowley’s “Miscellanies” is a collection of shorter poems encompassing many themes and styles. Johnson begins his criticism by examining Cowley’s early works, especially in “Miscellanies”. These poems showcase Cowley’s youthful talent and versatility. Johnson praises the liveliness and imaginative prowess of these pieces. However, Johnson also notes that they sometimes lack depth and maturity, which is understandable given Cowley’s age when he wrote them.
The Mistress: One of Cowley’s well-known collections is “The Mistress,” a series of love poems. Johnson acknowledges Cowley’s skill in crafting clever verses in these poems. However, Johnson criticizes the poems for being overly intellectual and lacking genuine emotion. According to Johnson, the poems are more focused on showcasing wit and poetic prowess than conveying heartfelt feelings of love.
Pindaric Odes: Cowley attempted to revive the Pindaric ode, a complex form of poetry inspired by the ancient Greek poet Pindar. Johnson appreciates Cowley’s ambition and technical skill but argues that these odes often feel artificial. He suggests that Cowley’s adherence to the strict structure of the Pindaric ode sometimes hinders the natural flow of his poetry, making it less enjoyable to read.