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Andrew Marvell

(1621–1678)

Introduction

Andrew Marvell (1621–1678) was an English poet, satirist, and politician, best known for his metaphysical wit, lyrical elegance, and political writings. A contemporary of John Donne and George Herbert, Marvell blended philosophical depth, carpe diem themes, and sharp satire, making him a unique voice in 17th-century literature.

Life and Family

  • Born: March 31, 1621, in Winestead, Yorkshire, England.
  • Family:
    • Father: Reverend Andrew Marvell (Anglican clergyman).
    • Mother: Anne Pease Marvell.
  • Education:
    • Hull Grammar School.
    • Trinity College, Cambridge (BA 1639).
  • Early Career:
    • Traveled Europe (1642–1646), possibly as a tutor.
    • Worked as a tutor for Mary Fairfax (daughter of a Parliamentarian general).
  • Political Career:
    • Member of Parliament for Hull (1659–1678).
    • Served under Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth and later the Restoration monarchy.
  • Death: Died suddenly on August 16, 1678, possibly of malaria. Buried in St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London.

Literary Works and Career

Marvell’s works span lyric poetry, political satire, and prose pamphlets:

  • Metaphysical Poetry: Witty, intellectual, with themes of time, nature, and love.
  • Political Writings: Satires defending Parliament and criticizing corruption.

Key Works & Publications

  1. Lyric Poetry (Published posthumously, 1681)
    • To His Coy Mistress ("Had we but world enough, and time...").
    • The Garden ("How vainly men themselves amaze...").
    • An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland (1650).
  2. Satires & Prose
    • The Rehearsal Transpros’d (1672–1673) – Political satire.
    • Account of the Growth of Popery (1677) – Anti-Catholic polemic.

Qualifications & Positions

  • Education: Cambridge (BA).
  • Professional Roles:
    • Tutor (Fairfax family, 1650s).
    • MP for Hull (1659–1678).
    • Latin Secretary (assisted John Milton during Cromwell’s rule).

Notable Works List with Publication

Poetry (Mostly published posthumously in Miscellaneous Poems, 1681)

  1. To His Coy Mistress (carpe diem love poem).
  2. The Garden (meditation on nature and solitude).
  3. An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland (political ode).
  4. The Mower’s Song (pastoral lament).
  5. Upon Appleton House (country-house poem).

Prose & Satire

  • The Rehearsal Transpros’d (1672–1673) – Mocked Anglican censorship.
  • Account of the Growth of Popery (1677) – Exposed Catholic influence.

Legacy

  • Metaphysical Master: Ranked with Donne and Herbert for wit and depth.
  • Political Influence: Bridged Cromwellian and Restoration eras.
  • Romantic Appeal: To His Coy Mistress remains a quintessential carpe diem poem.

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