George Puttenham
George Puttenham: Life and Legacy
George Puttenham, born in 1529 and passing away in 1590, was an influential English writer and literary critic. His most notable contribution to literature is the handbook on poetry and rhetoric titled The Arte of English Poesie, published in 1589. This work has been recognized as a significant treatise in its field, offering insights into the art of poetry during the Renaissance period. Despite his literary achievements, Puttenham’s life was marred by personal controversies and legal troubles that paint a complex picture of this historical figure.
Family and Early Life
Puttenham was born into a family of some standing; he was the second son of Robert Puttenham, who resided in Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hampshire. His mother, Margaret, was the daughter of Sir Richard Elyot and sister to Sir Thomas Elyot, an esteemed writer and scholar. George had an elder brother named Richard. His academic journey began at Christ’s College, Cambridge, where he matriculated at the age of 17 in November 1546. However, he did not complete a degree program there and later became a member of the Middle Temple in August 1556.
In late 1559 or early 1560, Puttenham married Elizabeth, Lady Windsor, who came from a wealthy background as the daughter and coheir of Peter Cowdray. Elizabeth had previously been married twice, which added complexity to their union. Their marriage brought with it a substantial dowry and they had at least one daughter together. However, the relationship would soon sour, leading to numerous personal disputes.
Domestic Disputes and Legal Troubles
The latter part of Puttenham’s life was characterized by legal conflicts and personal scandals that emerged during his divorce proceedings with Lady Windsor in 1566. Court records reveal a tumultuous domestic life where accusations against him included adultery and domestic violence. The details from these records often paint him as a man of questionable morals, with allegations emerging about his treatment of women and his behavior towards those around him.
These documents suggest that Puttenham had numerous extramarital affairs and even fathered children with maidservants. One alarming report claims that he kidnapped a young girl in London when he was forty-three years old, keeping her captive and raping her for three years at his farm near Sherfield. While the accuracy of these court records can be disputed given their sensational nature—especially amidst the acrimony surrounding his divorce—there appears to have been little defense offered for his character from those who knew him.
Notably, Richard Horne, Bishop of Winchester, expressed surprise at Puttenham’s appointment as a Justice of the Peace given what was known about his “evil life.” This sentiment underscores the public perception of Puttenham during his lifetime—a man whose literary contributions were overshadowed by personal failings.
Authorship of The Arte of English Poesie
The Arte of English Poesie was entered at Stationers’ Hall in 1588 and published the following year with a dedicatory letter addressed to Lord Burghley. Despite attempts to obscure the author’s identity, indications suggest that Puttenham himself was behind this significant work on poetry. The text underwent changes during its press run that imply an active authorial presence during publication.
The book is structured into three parts: an exploration of poets and poetry; discussions on proportion in poetry; and an extensive examination of ornamentation through figures of speech. These sections collectively serve as a comprehensive guide to poetic forms, styles, and techniques prevalent during the Renaissance era.
The first book provides a historical overview of poetry across different cultures—Greek, Latin, and English—while emphasizing the importance of verse as both persuasive and melodious language. In contrast, Book II focuses on metrical forms akin to mathematical patterns and offers detailed insights into English versification.
Puttenham’s work has drawn attention not only for its content but also for its impact on subsequent generations of poets and critics. It is noted for comparing poetry’s structure to musical composition while introducing innovations that would influence English verse for centuries.
The Arte of English Poesie: Structure and Content
The organization of The Arte of English Poesie is methodical; it is divided into three principal books that dissect various facets of poetry. Book I covers the history and significance of poets throughout time while establishing foundational principles for understanding poetic expression.
In Book II, titled “Of Proportion Poetical,” Puttenham investigates the mechanics behind English verse structure. He outlines key components such as “Staffe” (stanza), “Measure,” “Concord or Symphony,” “Situation,” and “Figure.” Each concept is elaborated upon with illustrations meant to clarify how these elements interact within poetic compositions.
Book III delves into “Ornament,” comprising half of the entire treatise devoted to figures of speech used in writing. Here, Puttenham engages with language’s artistic nature—arguing that figures enhance the emotional depth and effectiveness of poetry through various techniques like amplification or moderation.
Influence on Literature
The legacy left by The Arte of English Poesie extends far beyond its initial publication; it set a precedent for future manuals on poetics that emerged during the Renaissance period. Writers such as Sir Philip Sidney and George Gascoigne drew upon ideas presented by Puttenham as they crafted their own poetic theories.
This handbook is considered one of the foundational texts for understanding Renaissance poetics in England. While debates continue regarding Puttenham’s authority compared to contemporaries like Sidney or Gascoigne, there is no denying that The Arte remains an essential reference for scholars studying early modern literature.
Conclusion
George Puttenham’s life encapsulates both brilliance in literary contribution and a troubling personal narrative marked by controversy. As the author of The Arte of English Poesie, he played a pivotal role in shaping poetic discourse during a transformative period in English literature. Despite facing severe criticism due to his alleged misconducts, his seminal work endures as one of the most significant treatises on poetry from the Renaissance era—a testament to his complex legacy as both a writer and an individual forever intertwined with the sociocultural fabric of his time.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).