Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Walsingham" is a poem written by Walter Raleigh, an English poet, soldier, courtier, and explorer. Raleigh lived from 1552 to 1618 and was known for his achievements as an adventurer, particularly his exploration of South America and his involvement in the colonization of Virginia. He was also a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, and a prolific writer and poet. 

Context:

Raleigh lived during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural and literary achievement in England. The Elizabethan age was marked by the flourishing of the arts and the expansion of the English language and literature. Raleigh was a part of this literary movement and was influenced by the works of his contemporaries, such as Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare. The poem "Walsingham" was written during this period, and it reflects the political and historical context of the era.

Content:

"Walsingham" is a poem in which the speaker laments the death of Sir Francis Walsingham, who was a prominent statesman and spymaster during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The poem is structured in six quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The speaker describes Walsingham's role in protecting England from foreign threats and preserving the Queen's power. The speaker also expresses his grief and loss at Walsingham's passing, noting that his death has left England vulnerable to danger.

Form:

The poem is structured in six quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of quatrains and a regular rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of order and balance. The poem's structure mirrors the speaker's lament and grief at Walsingham's death.

Poetic Elements:

Raleigh uses figurative language, metaphor, and allusion in "Walsingham." For example, he compares Walsingham to the Greek hero Odysseus, suggesting that he was a wise and cunning statesman who protected his country from harm. Raleigh also uses the metaphor of a storm to describe the danger that England now faces without Walsingham's protection. Raleigh's use of figurative language and allusion adds depth and emotional impact to the poem.

Summary:

"Walsingham" is a powerful and poignant poem that reflects the political and historical context of the Elizabethan era. The poem is a tribute to Sir Francis Walsingham, who was an important figure in protecting England from foreign threats during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Raleigh's use of figurative language and allusion adds depth and emotional impact to the poem. Overall, the poem is a testament to Raleigh's skill as a poet and his contribution to Elizabethan literature.

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