Topic Notes

• Why Can’t Cowley’s “Davideis” be Judged as an Epic?Why can't Cowley's “Davideis” be judged as an epic? Abraham Cowley's (1618-1667) "Davideis" is a notable work in English literature, but it is often not considered a true epic in the traditional sense. There are [...]
• What Are the Features of Metaphysical Poetry?What are the features of metaphysical poetry? Metaphysical poetry is a term coined by Samuel Johnson in the 18th century to describe a group of 17th-century poets in England. These poets, including John Donne, George [...]
• Dr. Johnson’s Attitude to Using Conceits in Metaphysical PoetryComment on Dr Johnson's attitude to using conceits in metaphysical poetry from your reading of “The Life of Crowley.” Or Comment on Dr. Johnson's attitude to using conceits in metaphysical poetry from your reading of [...]
•  How Does Dr Johnson Compare Cowley and Milton as Poets? How does Dr Johnson compare Cowley and Milton as poets? Samuel Johnson (1709 -1784) was an English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a literary critic and biographer. He has shown his [...]
• The Life of Cowley” as a Literary CriticismConsider 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 [...]
• What Epic Qualities Are Found in “Davideis”?According to Johnson, what epic qualities are found in “Davideis”? “The Davideis” (1712) is an unfinished epic by Cowley (1618-1667). Samuel Johnson's "Life of Cowley" offers a deep critique of Abraham Cowley's epic poem "The [...]
• Cowley’s Strengths and Limitations as a PoetAccording to Johnson, what are Cowley’s strengths and limitations as a poet?  Abraham Cowley (1618-1667), a prominent English poet of the 17th century, has been the subject of various assessments and critiques throughout literary history. [...]
• Dr Johnson as a Critic and BiographerConsider Dr Johnson as a critic and biographer with special reference to “The Life of Cowley.”  Or Comment on Dr Samuel Johnson as a critic and biographer. Or Discuss Johnson’s art of writing a biography. [...]