János Barcsák, Márta Pellérdi

English literature 1660-1900

John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester (1647-1680)

One of the most notorious and characteristic members of the Royal court was John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester. He was born into a royalist aristocratic family, studied in Oxford and then took the “grand tour”. At the age of 17 he returned to London and became a courtier in Charles II’s court, soon achieving notoriety for his extravagant lifestyle. He lived the wild life of a libertine, professing that he accepted no restriction from any moral or religious considerations. He was always the first in debauchery, drinking and whoring excessively, and in creating court scandal with his intrigues and practical jokes played at the expense of his fellow courtiers. Although he was idolized in his own circle of friends, nicknamed “the merry gang”, he was feared by most of his contemporaries for his practical jokes, as well as for his often blunt and obscene satires which frequently exposed them to public ridicule. Nevertheless, his presence at court was highly valued by the King who enjoyed Rochester’s conversation and the refreshing liveliness and excitement he brought into court life.

Tartalomjegyzék

Kiadó: Akadémiai Kiadó

Online megjelenés éve: 2018

ISBN: 978 963 454 261 2

A history of the English literature is presented here, with a scope on the years 1660 to 1900. The book is written in three main parts; beginning with the Restoration Period of the 17th century, followed by the first, and second halves of the 18th century. Thus, a sequential development of literary genres is presented, with explorations of the key figures and texts which drove these. The book also synthesises the historical, cultural and sociological background which gave rise to this literature, and allows the reader to effectively contextualise these.

Hivatkozás: https://mersz.hu/barcsak-pellerdi-english-literature-1660-1900//

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