Absent from thee I languish Flashcards
What does Languish mean?
Lose or lack vitality; grow weak; be forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation
Time period
17th century
Restoration period
Post-Puritan
Form
Hedonistic- the pursuit of pleasure/happiness
What was the restoration period?
Big time of social change ‘pendulum…swung’
The boardry restoration comedy became a genre
Charles was known for the liveliness and hedonism of his court
No legitimate children but acknowledged 12 illegitimate
How did Wilmot live his life?
Embodied the new era
Reputation for his wild behaviour- inherited the King’s goodwill and indulgence
Dies of venereal disease and alcoholism
Reported to have recanted his atheism and libertinism on his death bed- scared to go to hell
Wilmot’s wild behaviour
Abducted a wealthy heiress whom he wished to marry (3 weeks in the Tower)- he later did marry her
Drunkness often got him in trouble- genital exposure, violence at court, lewd pantomimes
Gave Charles a satirical verse that criticised him for being sex-obsessed at the cost of his kingdom (banished from the court then recalled)
Disguised himself as ‘Doctor Bendo’ who cured infertility and ‘Mrs Bendo’ so he could examine women without their husbands getting suspicious
Wilmot’s reception and influence
Controversial
Used as a model for a lot of characters
Euligisied (praised)- thought he was brilliant eg. Marvell
Strong writer of satire
People thought he was a genius as the time
After his death in the 1750’s when the hedonism ended people no longer looked up to him
What is the 1st stanza about?
The speaker makes it clear he will be unfaithful when away and shows frustration at being asked when he will return.
What is the 2nd stanza about?
The speaker is conflicted as he wants to leave and have other relationships but does have emotions towards women at the same time although this is satirical.
What is the 3rd stanza about?
The speaker makes it clear that he will choose to come back to her once he has had enough of sleeping around.
What is the 4th stanza about?
The speaker changes his viewpoint of returning to be forced so that he can go to heaven and not hell.
Structure
Satirical through his structure- 1st line and the order of the stanzas
What methods are used?
Juxtaposition Imperative Exclamation Repetition Objectification Metaphor Motif of religion
Themes
Infidelity
Unattainable love/ barriers to love
