English literature

17th century: The Stuarts and the Puritans (1603-1660)
After the death of Elizabeth I and the next king, her cousin James VI of Scotland, his son Charles I ascended to the throne. Conflicts between the monarchy and Parliament worsened. Civil war broke out in 1642 between the king's followers, who were called Cavaliers, and Parliament's chief supporters, a religious and political group called the Puritans. In 1648, the Puritans won the war, beheaded Charles in 1649, and ruled England until 1660. The political situation influenced English literature of the period.
English prose started to emerge in full richness in the 17th century, with the "Authorized Version of the Bible", also called the "King James Bible" (1611). It is significant because its vocabulary, imagery, and rhythms, elegant yet natural style have influenced English writers ever since. Yet, there are few outstanding prose works written in that period, apart from philosophical essays and tracts written during the early and mid-1600's.
The XVII century poetry developed within two distinct tendencies represented by metaphysical and Cavalier poets. The first is exemplified by the poetry of John Donne, the leader, and his followers, who carried the metaphorical style to new heights. The second group, the Cavalier poets, were associated with the court of Charles I and included Thomas Carew, Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace, and Sir John Suckling.
The metaphysical poets used comparatively simple language, but they often created elaborate images called conceits. Donne wrote passionate love poetry until he converted from Roman Catholicism to the Anglican faith and became an Anglican priest in 1615. After his conversion, Donne wrote equally passionate poems to God. In contrast to the serious metaphysical poets, the Cavalier poets wrote dashing love poetry.
The last great poet of the English Renaissance in the mid-1660s was the Puritan writer John Milton. He wrote prose and verse on many subjects, but his greatest achievement is "Paradise Lost" (1667), an epic poem based on the story of Adam and Eve. The work, which became a classic of world literature, is noted for its rich and musical blank verse and vivid descriptions of heaven, hell, and the Garden of Eden.
Jacobean drama emulated Elizabethan drama, especially in such characteristics as violent action, spectacle, and the revenge theme. Satiric comedies were also popular, including the plays "Volpone" (1606) and "The Alchemist" (1610) in which Ben Jonson satirizes universal human failings such as greed, ignorance, or superstition, showing the influence of ancient Roman drama.
After James I died, the quality of English drama rapidly declined. In 1642, the Puritans ordered the closing of the theaters, claiming that plays were wicked. The order remained in effect for 18 years.