William Cowper

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Johann Heinrich Füssli 035

Harriett Hesketh born Cowper

St Nicholas Church, Dereham, Norfolk - Window - geograph.org.uk - 1084704

William Cowper (26 November 1731 – 25 April 1800) was an English poet and hymnodist. One of the most popular poets of his time, Cowper changed the direction of 18th-century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and scenes of the English countryside. In many ways, he was one of the forerunners of Romantic poetry. His works have enjoyed a significant influence on English literature.

Biography

William Cowper was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, in 1731. The son of John Cowper, a clergyman, and his wife Ann, Cowper was stricken with tragedy at an early age when his mother died when he was six. He was sent to various boarding schools, where he developed a deep love for literature but also suffered from severe bouts of depression, a condition that would affect him throughout his life.

In 1752, Cowper began to study law but never practiced seriously. Instead, he found solace and expression through writing. His early works included contributions to magazines and private poems. However, it was not until later in life, with the encouragement of friends, that he published his major works.

Cowper's friendship with John Newton, a former slave trader turned Anglican clergyman, was particularly influential. Together, they produced the Olney Hymns in 1779, which included Cowper's famous hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way." His relationship with Newton and their religious discussions greatly influenced Cowper's poetry, which often intertwined themes of nature, humanity, and divinity.

Major Works and Themes

Cowper's poetry is characterized by its simplicity, tenderness, and a deep connection to the natural world. Unlike the classical poets of his time, Cowper wrote in a more accessible language that celebrated the beauty and pastoral scenes of the English countryside. His major works include The Task (1785), which was praised for its descriptions of nature and contemplation of the divine; and John Gilpin, a humorous ballad that became immensely popular.

In The Task, Cowper explored various themes, including the value of nature, the importance of simplicity, and the critique of city life. This work significantly influenced the Romantic poets, who would take Cowper's themes and stylistic innovations to new heights.

Legacy

William Cowper's impact on English literature is profound. His approach to poetry, focusing on the natural and the personal, paved the way for the Romantic movement. Poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge admired and were influenced by Cowper's work. Today, Cowper is remembered not only for his contributions to English poetry but also for his candid exploration of mental illness and his reflections on spirituality and nature.

Despite his struggles with depression and periods of isolation, Cowper's work remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of nature to inspire and heal.

See Also

• English poetry
• Romantic poetry
• Nature in literature
• Olney Hymns