“An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland”

by Andrew Marvell

Marianela Arizal Ortiz

University of Cordoba
Education Faculty
Lic. Levis Leonardo Lozano Hoyos

Montería, Córdoba
October 12th, 2023
 “An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland”
by Andrew Marvell

Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was an English poet, satirist and politician. He is known

for his witty, thought-provoking poetry and engagement with the political and social

issues of his time. Marvell was born in Yorkshire, England and educated at

Cambridge University. He later worked as a teacher and traveled around Europe.

Commonwealth Period (1649-1660): Marvell was an era of great historical events

in the Commonwealth period, marked by the English Civil War and the reign of Oliver

Cromwell. He served as governess to the daughter of Thomas Fairfax, a famous

Parliamentary commander during the Civil War. Marvel's poems from this period

often reflect the political and social unrest of the time.

Restoration (1660–1688): Marvell continued to be involved in politics after the

restoration of the monarchy with the return of King Charles II in 1660. He became a

member of Congress and used his political influence to support religious tolerance

and other progressive causes. Marvel's writing during the Restoration period was

characterized by his attempts to navigate the changing political landscape while

remaining committed to certain principles.

The Marvel writer's versatility and ability to adapt to changing political climates

made him important in both the Commonwealth and Restoration periods. His works

ranged in subject matter from political satire and social commentary to love poetry

and metaphysical themes, making him a well-known figure in English 17th-century

literature. Understanding Marvell's historical background and his role as a poet and

political figure helps provide context for his poem Horatio's Ode on Cromwell's

Return from Ireland, which we can now analyze in more depth. Andrew Marvell
(1621-1678) was a 17th-century English poet and politician. He was born in

Yorkshire, England and received his early education at Hull Grammar School.

Marvell later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and traveled through Europe,

exposing himself to the influence of different cultures. During the English Civil War

and the Commonwealth, Marvell became involved in politics, serving as governor to

Mary Fairfax, the daughter of a prominent parliamentary general. His early writings

supported the Parliamentary cause and figures such as Oliver Cromwell. Marvel is

best known for his poetry, characterized by metaphysical elements and political

satire. His famous works are To the Coy Mistress and The Horatian Ode on

Cromwell's Return from Ireland.

With the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Marvell adjusted his political

allegiance and served as a Member of Parliament. His ability to adapt allows him to

maintain his influence. Known for its linguistic and political commentary, Marvell's

poetry continues to be admired. He died in 1678, and the posthumous recognition of

his work cemented his status as an important poet in 17th-century English literature.

Andrew Marvell's poem "The Horatian Ode on Cromwell's Return from Ireland" is

dedicated to the English military and political leader Oliver Cromwell.

The poem was written to celebrate Cromwell's return to England in 1650 after a

successful military campaign in Ireland. It hails Cromwell as a heroic figure and

savior of the country. During this period, Cromwell was a powerful and influential

figure in England, playing a key role in Parliament's victory in the English Civil War.

His military campaigns, including in Ireland, were seen as decisive in securing the

interests of parliamentary factions. Andrew Marvell, known for his political writings

and relations with the Parliamentary staff, wrote this ode to flatter and support

Cromwell's leadership.
 In this poem, Marvel praises Cromwell's military talents and his role in

maintaining order and stability in England during troubled times. The ode was a

literary expression of the admiration and affection Marvel and many others had for

Cromwell at the time. Oliver Cromwell's ambitions to establish a republic in England

ultimately failed due to a combination of political instability, internal conflicts, external

threats, his own centralization of power in the Protectorate, the leadership vacuum

created by his death, and ultimately termination. Charles II restored the monarchy in

1660, marking the end of the republican experiment and the return of monarchical

rule.

The visual representations of "Ode to Horace Cromwell's Return from Ireland"

can enhance or detract from the meaning of the poem depending on their relevance

to the text's themes and historical context. Well-executed imagery, such as a

painting of Cromwell as a heroic figure, can enhance the solemn tone of a poem,

while misplaced imagery can cause confusion or dissonance. Opinions differed

widely on what other writers thought of Cromwell, with Royalists and Monarchists

condemning him as a regicide and dictator, while Parliamentarians and Republicans

praising his military prowess and reforms. Some writers have taken a conflicting

view, acknowledging both his achievements and failures, and emphasizing the

complexity of Cromwell's legacy in literature and history.

Andrew Marvell's poem "The Horatian Ode on Cromwell's Return from Ireland" is

about the celebration of Oliver Cromwell's triumphant return from Ireland during the

English Civil War. It lauds Cromwell as a heroic figure who saved England from

chaos and mayhem. The poem consists of 18 stanzas and is written in a style that

might be challenging for a modern reader due to the ancient language and use of
expressions. Here are some words and expressions that may be difficult to

understand and what they mean:

● Steel: In the phrase "Steeled by Death," "steel" means hardened or durable.

This suggests that Cromwell was tempered or determined by the experience

of death.

● Scepter: A "scepter" is a ceremonial rod or staff held by rulers as a symbol of

power and authority.

● Urn: In the line “On a black urn lay in the ruins of Troy” “urn” refers to a vessel

or container usually used to store ashes after cremation. In this context, it

symbolizes the destruction of Troy.

Andrew Marvell's Horatian Ode on Cromwell's Return from Ireland is composed as a

series of 18 verses or stanzas. The poem's mixture of archaic and formal language is

characteristic of the 17th century English poetic style. The use of images, metaphors

and allusions contribute to the rich and complex linguistic organization of the poem.

In this poem, Andrew Marvell is clearly not focusing on his pain. Instead, the poem

primarily celebrates Oliver Cromwell's return from Ireland and his achievements,

emphasizing his heroism and virtue. The poem is more a tribute to Cromwell than a

detailed account of the author's personal suffering.

The poem is not primarily about love, but it expresses admiration, loyalty and praise

for Cromwell. It describes the patriotic love for Cromwell as a leader credited with

saving the country from turmoil. Each poem paints Cromwell as a heroic and virtuous

leader who was praised for his role in maintaining stability and order in England

during a turbulent period of history. The poem uses several literary devices and
classical allusions to convey these themes and emphasize the importance of

Cromwell's return.

In conclusion, Andrew Marvell's Horatian Ode on Cromwell's Return from Ireland is a

complex and well-crafted poem that celebrates Oliver Cromwell's triumphant return

to England during the turbulent times of the English Civil War and War. federal. The

poem's linguistic organization, characterized by a consistent rhyme scheme and a

mixture of archaic and formal language, is designed to reinforce the themes of

heroism, virtue, and national pride associated with Cromwell's leadership. Although

the poem does not focus on the author's personal suffering, it exalts Cromwell as the

savior of the nation and portrays patriotic love for his role in restoring order and

peace. Each poem creates an overall picture of Cromwell as a respected figure in

the political and historical context of the time, and the poem's lasting legacy lies in its

ability to capture the complexities of the era through language and themes.