What are epic qualities found in “Davideis” written by Cowley?

Answer

What, according to Johnson, are the epic qualities found in “Davideis?”

Or, What are epic qualities found in “Davideis” written by Cowley?

Abraham Cowley (1618-1667) tried to write an epic poem in “Davideis.” He planned to write twelve books like “The Aeneid” (19 BC). But he completed only four. Johnson (1709-1784) discussed why “Davideis” does not meet the rules of a true epic. He looked at the subject, structure, style, and character work. Though Cowley had a strong mind and much learning, the poem failed in many epic parts.

Unfinished Structure: Cowley wrote only four books though he planned twelve. The third part does not show a clear plan. The whole action remains unfinished. Because of that, the story is incomplete. The readers cannot feel a full journey. Characters are not fully shown. Their hopes and struggles are weak. Johnson said it is hard to judge an epic with such little material. The poem stops too soon to give full meaning.

Wrong Use of Subject: The subject of “Davideis” is serious. It talks about David and other Bible stories. But Cowley added scenes that felt strange. He described hell and used speech from Lucifer. The poet says,

“Here Lucifer the mighty Captive reigns;

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

These parts looked more like old myths. They did not match the main theme. Such ideas made the poem dull and heavy. These long talks and speeches made readers tired. The joy of reading got lost in useless detail.

Weak Imagery and Style: Cowley often used learned references instead of strong pictures. He used hard words and strange examples. His lines had more thought than beauty. The images were weak or unclear. He added too many conceits in place of clear ideas. Sometimes he left the main subject and went too far. The digressions made the poem slow. His writing had learning, but it lost its poetic charm.

Lack of True Epic Parts: A true epic needs a great