The 15th century in British history is marked by significant political upheaval, societal transformations, and religious shifts. Amidst these changes, British poetry continued to evolve, with poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer setting the stage for future literary movements. One of the lesser-known but intriguing figures of this period is Osbern Bokenam, a British poet whose works remain valuable in understanding the poetic landscape of late medieval England. Bokenam’s life and poetry stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, making his contributions to British poetry significant, albeit somewhat overshadowed by more prominent contemporaries. This article will explore the life, work, and historical context of Osbern Bokenam, comparing his poetic style with that of other British poets of his time, and examining how he fits into the broader landscape of 15th-century British poetry.
Early Life and Historical Context
Osbern Bokenam was born in 1393, a period when the English language and its literary traditions were undergoing significant changes. The late 14th and early 15th centuries were a time of literary experimentation and refinement. The decline of French influence, following the Hundred Years’ War, had paved the way for English to solidify its position as the dominant language of literature, especially in the works of Chaucer, the most famous poet of the late medieval period. The fifteenth century also saw the rise of humanism, which would later play a pivotal role in the development of the Renaissance.
However, despite these intellectual shifts, Bokenam’s works remained rooted in the medieval traditions of allegory, religious themes, and chivalric tales. The tumultuous political climate, including the Wars of the Roses and the ongoing strife between the Lancastrians and Yorkists, shaped much of the context within which Bokenam wrote. England in the early 15th century was a land of uncertainty and shifting allegiances, and these societal changes influenced the poetry of the time.
The Works of Osbern Bokenam
Bokenam’s most significant contribution to British poetry is his collection of works known as the Saints’ Lives or Lives of the Saints. This series of poetic compositions retells the stories of various saints, using a style that is heavily influenced by the religious devotion of the period. His style is often considered to be both conventional and innovative. On the one hand, his reliance on biblical themes and medieval religious imagery places him firmly within the traditional framework of 15th-century British poetry. On the other hand, Bokenam’s use of a relatively sophisticated rhyme scheme and more elaborate narrative techniques represents a departure from the simpler forms of earlier English religious poetry.
The most well-known work attributed to Bokenam is The Life of Saint Thomas of Canterbury. In this work, Bokenam narrates the story of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was famously murdered in 1170. Bokenam’s rendition of Becket’s life and martyrdom provides not only a religious and historical perspective but also a literary analysis of the themes of piety, loyalty, and justice. The poem itself is composed in rhymed couplets, a popular form of poetry at the time, and follows a narrative structure that incorporates elements of both hagiography and epic.
Bokenam’s Lives of the Saints were particularly significant because they were part of a growing genre of religious literature that sought to promote devotion and moral instruction. In these works, saints are depicted not only as religious figures but as exemplars of virtue, often facing trials that test their faith. This genre was particularly popular in the 15th century, as England experienced religious reforms and shifts in theological thinking, particularly during the reign of Henry V and the subsequent rise of the Lollards, a precursor to the English Reformation.
Comparing Bokenam to His Contemporaries
While Bokenam’s works have their own merits, they must be understood in the context of the poets writing during the same period. Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the father of English literature, was arguably the most significant figure in 14th and 15th-century British poetry. His Canterbury Tales, a brilliant collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket, is an exemplary work of narrative poetry. Chaucer’s poetry bridged the gap between the medieval and Renaissance periods, offering both keen social observations and linguistic innovation.
Bokenam’s works, in comparison, tend to lack the same narrative complexity and social commentary present in Chaucer’s writings. While Chaucer satirized the English court, the church, and contemporary social norms, Bokenam’s works are more focused on the religious and moral instruction of his audience. For example, where Chaucer’s pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales are full of life, wit, and often irony, Bokenam’s saints are idealized figures, almost devoid of personal flaws, serving as models for piety and virtue.
Another notable poet of the 15th century, John Lydgate, also produced works that are somewhat similar to Bokenam’s. Lydgate, a monk and poet, wrote many religious and didactic pieces, such as The Siege of Thebes and The Fall of Princes. Like Bokenam, Lydgate’s poetry is often moralistic, emphasizing virtues such as humility, piety, and obedience. However, Lydgate’s work is generally more grandiose and filled with classical allusions, showing a greater interest in classical antiquity than Bokenam. Lydgate’s works, which were also influenced by Chaucer, exhibit a more sophisticated and learned style, often drawing upon classical mythology and ancient history.
Bokenam, on the other hand, while not completely devoid of classical influence, was more deeply invested in the medieval traditions of hagiography and religious narrative. His poetry focused on exemplifying the lives of saints, and the characters in his works are often portrayed in an almost allegorical fashion. His emphasis on Christian piety, humility, and the struggle between good and evil aligns him more with the medieval religious tradition than with the humanist ideals that would later dominate the Renaissance.
The Legacy of Osbern Bokenam in British Poetry
Although Osbern Bokenam did not achieve the fame of his contemporaries like Chaucer or Lydgate, his works nevertheless played an important role in shaping 15th-century British poetry. Bokenam’s commitment to religious themes and moral instruction reflects the values of medieval society, where poetry was often used as a tool for teaching and guiding the masses. His works also serve as a valuable historical record, shedding light on the religious and social concerns of late medieval England.
Bokenam’s influence can also be seen in the later development of religious poetry in England. His use of saints’ lives as a central theme influenced later poets who would continue to write in this genre, especially in the 16th century. Though the Reformation would eventually lead to a decline in the popularity of religious poetry, Bokenam’s works remain an important part of the literary heritage of 15th-century Britain.
Moreover, Bokenam’s style and his devotion to moral instruction influenced other poets who would come after him. For example, the poet William Caxton, who is often credited with introducing the printing press to England, printed works that were inspired by Bokenam’s religious themes. Caxton’s printing of devotional texts contributed to the widespread dissemination of Bokenam’s ideas and style, allowing his work to reach a broader audience.
Conclusion
Osbern Bokenam, a 15th-century British poet, may not have achieved the same level of fame as Geoffrey Chaucer or John Lydgate, but his works have left a significant mark on British poetry. His religious themes, focus on saints’ lives, and moral instruction reflect the values of the medieval world and provide valuable insight into the literary landscape of his time. Bokenam’s works are deeply rooted in the traditions of medieval religious poetry, yet they also contain elements that suggest a more sophisticated and evolving narrative style. By comparing Bokenam with his contemporaries, we gain a fuller understanding of the 15th-century British poetic scene, and his contributions to British poetry should not be underestimated. Through his devotion to religious themes and his commitment to preserving the lives of saints, Bokenam helped shape the future of British poetry, making him a noteworthy figure in the history of English literature.
