What Epic Qualities Are Found in “Davideis”?

Answer

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 Davideis.” In this poem, Cowley narrates the biblical story of David, aiming to elevate it to the level of classical epics. Johnson identifies several epic qualities in “The Davideis” that align it with the works of great epic poets like Homer and Virgil. 

The Length: Epics are large narrative poems. Cowley designs his epic as a literary epic following the module of Virgil’s “Aeneid,” which comprises twelve books and 9896 lines. Although Cowley has been able to finish four books, his initial endeavor meets the demand of an epic.

Grand Theme: One of the primary epic qualities of “The Davideis” is its grand theme. Cowley chooses a significant and noble subject, the life and struggles of King David from the Bible. This choice of theme is critical for any epic, as epics typically deal with heroic tales and grand narratives that reflect the values and culture of a society. By focusing on David, a central figure in Judeo-Christian tradition, Cowley places his work within a grand and morally significant context, akin to the Trojan War in Homer’s “Iliad” or the founding of Rome in Virgil’s “Aeneid.”

Heroic Characters: Johnson notes that Cowley successfully portrays David as a heroic character. He expresses the virtues and qualities expected of an epic hero. David is depicted as courageous, wise, and devout. Cowley writes,

I sing the Man who Judahs Scepter bore

…………………………

Who from best Poet, best of Kings did grow;

The two chief gifts Heav’n could on Man bestow.

He faces various trials and adversities with strength and faith. This portrayal aligns with the tradition of epic heroes who possess exceptional qualities and play pivotal roles in their societies. David’s journey from shepherd boy to king provides a rich narrative for epic poetry.

Divine Intervention: Another classic epic quality present in “Davideis” is the role of divine intervention. Just as gods and goddesses play crucial roles in the Greek and Roman epics, divine forces are significant in Cowley’s work. The “Davideis” is full of divine interventions or supernatural elements like Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and Homer’s “Iliad”. Cowley narrates about archangels like Gabriel and fallen angels like Lucifer; of course, he talks about hell. It is in Cowley’s tongue:

Here Lucifer the mighty Captive reigns;

Proud, ‘midst his Woes, and Tyrant in his Chains.

The presence of God, angels, and fallen angels, guiding and intervening in David’s life adds a supernatural dimension to the story.

Elevated Style: Johnson appreciates Cowley’s use of elevated language and style, which is essential for epic poetry. Cowley employs grandiose diction, elaborate metaphors, and complex syntax to match the dignity of his subject.

Moral and Didactic Purpose: An important aspect of epic poetry is its moral and didactic purpose. Johnson points out that Cowley’s “Davideis” aims to teach and inspire. Through the story of David, Cowley imparts lessons on virtue, piety, and the righteous conduct of a king.

Limitations: Abraham Cowley’s “Davideis” is an unfinished epic poem. It consists of four completed books. Cowley had initially planned for it to be much longer, but he never finished it. Cowley himself has confessed to having failed to complete this poem. In an epic poem, the action involves superhuman deeds in battle. But in the “Davideis,” there is no such narration.

The narrator of the epic begins by stating his argument with the invocation of a muse, but Cowley is quite different. There is no use of epic simile in the “Davideis”. Rather, the narration is packed with conceits for which Johnson criticizes Cowley and classifies him as the last but best metaphysical poet.

To conclude, Cowley’s “Davideis” meets the fundamental criteria of a heroic poem, although it is lacking in it. Besides, Johnson designates the poem as an unfinished epic.