Andrew Marvell on Cromwell's Return from Ireland

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Andrew Marvell's 'An Horation Ode Upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland' and explains why it is significant as a primary source of historical evidence. The writer discusses the poem's style and use of language, along with its content, and shows how it contributes to a wider sense of political, literary and historical theory during the civil war period in England. The fact the poem was never published in Marvell's lifetime is examined to question whether it can provide a reliable reflection of the public mood on the political upheaval evident during the mid 17th century.

From the Paper:

"It is interesting that Charles is alluded to as 'Justice' whereas Cromwell's succession is seen as Fate. Society, as said, was clearly divided, those who aligned them selves with the 'antient rights' of the Monarchy against those who looked forward to a new age of the Republic. In this time of crisis Marvell seems to indicate that only those who are strong and true to their beliefs will prevail, whether their cause is 'just' or not. Marvell portrays an admiration for Cromwell's strength of character during such indecisive times. The regicide, although described, is never questioned as a social or moral dilemma; it is Cromwell, the man of action, who takes centre stage."

Sample of Sources Used:

• John Carey 'Andrew Marvell' Penguin Books Ltd : Harmondsworth 1969
• Thomas Healy 'Andrew Marvell' Longman : London 1998
• David Norbrook 'Writing of the English Republic : Poetry, Rhetoric and Politics 1627-1660' Cambridge University Press : Cambridge 1999
• Annabel Patterson 'Andrew Marvell' Northcote House : Plymouth 1994

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• Poem Review # 119460 : "Andrew Marvell's "To his Coy Mistress"

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