The history of American poetry is rich with a variety of voices, many of whom have played pivotal roles in shaping the early literary landscape of the United States. Among these figures stands Richard Mather, a 17th-century American poet whose contributions to both the religious and literary realms remain important in the context of early American poetry. Mather’s works, often infused with spiritual and religious themes, reflect the deeply religious nature of early American society, as well as the challenges and complexities faced by the early colonists in New England. This article will explore Richard Mather’s life, his works, his place in 17th-century American poetry, and the significance of his contributions to the development of American literary traditions.
Introduction to Richard Mather
Richard Mather (1596–1669) was an English-American Puritan minister, theologian, and poet. Born in England, he immigrated to America in 1635, settling in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Mather’s religious and literary influence stretched far beyond his immediate contributions, as his descendants—most notably his son Increase Mather and grandson Cotton Mather—became important figures in early American history. While Mather was a well-respected theologian and preacher, it is his role as a poet that we explore in this article.
As a 17th-century American poet, Mather was part of a literary tradition that was shaped by the religious and cultural environment of colonial New England. Early American poets were influenced by the theological debates of the time, the drive for religious purity, and the desire to reconcile the hardships of colonial life with faith in God. Richard Mather’s poetry, while not as widely known as other 17th-century American poets like Anne Bradstreet, remains important in the context of the American colonial literary tradition.
The Religious Context of Richard Mather’s Poetry
Richard Mather’s poetry must be understood within the context of the deeply religious culture of 17th-century New England. As a Puritan minister, Mather was deeply concerned with the religious life of the New England colony, and much of his poetry reflected his religious convictions. The Puritans, who sought to purify the Church of England and adhere to a strict interpretation of the Bible, believed in the importance of piety, moral conduct, and a personal relationship with God. These values were woven into the fabric of early American society and were reflected in the literary works of the time.
In Mather’s poetry, themes of salvation, divine providence, and moral instruction are prevalent. His works often express a sense of the fragility of human existence, as well as the hope of redemption through faith in God. This emphasis on the importance of religious faith was central not only to Mather’s ministry but also to his poetry, as he sought to offer spiritual guidance to the settlers of New England through his verse.
It is worth noting that the genre of poetry in 17th-century American literature was heavily influenced by religious motives. Many early American poets, including Mather, wrote with the intention of inspiring moral reflection and religious contemplation. Poetry served as a medium for expressing personal devotion to God, providing spiritual solace, and educating others about the divine. For Mather, poetry became an extension of his role as a minister, helping to communicate the lessons and truths of his faith.
Mather’s Contribution to American Poetry
Richard Mather’s contributions to American poetry are often overshadowed by those of other poets of the period, but his works are still valuable in understanding the religious dimensions of early American literature. Mather’s poetry, though not extensive in quantity, is characterized by its devotion to religious themes and its use of the poetic form as a means of expressing his theological convictions.
One of Mather’s most significant contributions was his use of the poetic form to express complex theological ideas. For example, in one of his most well-known poems, The Day of Doom (1662), Mather articulates the Puritan belief in judgment day, the reckoning of the wicked, and the salvation of the righteous. This poem, in particular, can be seen as a powerful example of how Mather combined religious beliefs with literary craft, contributing to the development of early American poetry.
Although Mather’s poetry is not as widely read as some other works from the period, his influence is still felt in the larger tradition of American poetry. His works were representative of the spiritual concerns of early colonial America, and his emphasis on personal devotion, salvation, and the afterlife made him a key figure in 17th-century American poetry.
Richard Mather’s Poetic Style
Richard Mather’s poetic style was influenced by the metaphysical poetry of his time, which emphasized the use of elaborate metaphors, intellectual rigor, and a search for deeper truths. While Mather’s style was not as ornate as that of some of the more well-known metaphysical poets in England, he shared a similar interest in using poetry to explore deep theological themes.
Mather’s poems are often characterized by their simplicity, directness, and moral seriousness. He did not indulge in the more decorative or playful aspects of poetry, preferring instead to focus on moral lessons and spiritual guidance. His style is straightforward, yet it conveys a sense of the weightiness of religious matters and the solemnity of the Puritan worldview. This approach to poetry reflects the Puritan ethos that permeated 17th-century New England, where piety and devotion were paramount.
In terms of form, Mather adhered to the conventions of the time, using rhymed verse and regular meter. While he did not experiment with the more experimental forms of poetry that would emerge in later periods, his work demonstrates a clear understanding of the conventions of poetic craft. This suggests that Mather was not only concerned with the theological aspects of his poetry but also with the aesthetic qualities of the verse.
The Influence of Richard Mather on Later American Poetry
While Richard Mather’s direct influence on later American poets may be limited, his legacy can be seen in the broader tradition of American poetry. Mather was part of a religious and literary tradition that would continue to shape American poetry for centuries to come. His emphasis on the moral and spiritual purpose of poetry, his exploration of the human condition in relation to divine grace, and his use of the poetic form to communicate religious truths all paved the way for later poets to build upon his ideas.
In the years following Mather’s death, the religious poetry tradition continued to grow, with poets like Anne Bradstreet, Michael Wigglesworth, and Edward Taylor emerging as some of the most significant early American poets. These poets, while differing in style and content, shared Mather’s focus on the religious and moral dimensions of human experience.
Moreover, the Puritan aesthetic that Mather contributed to—one that emphasized simplicity, directness, and moral clarity—would have a lasting impact on American literary traditions. The theological concerns that shaped Mather’s poetry, particularly his focus on salvation, judgment, and divine providence, would remain central to American literature in the years that followed. Even poets like Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and T.S. Eliot would grapple with the complex religious and existential themes that Mather addressed in his work.
Richard Mather’s Legacy in American Poetry
Richard Mather’s legacy in the development of American poetry lies not only in his direct contributions but also in his role as a forerunner to later poets who would continue the work he began. His poetry provided a foundation for the exploration of religious and moral themes in American literature, and his works represent an important part of the broader history of 17th-century American poetry. Although Mather is not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, his influence is undeniable, and his works continue to offer insight into the spiritual concerns of early America.
Mather’s contributions also provide a window into the religious life of the period, shedding light on the ways in which poetry was used to convey theological ideas, moral teachings, and personal reflections. In this sense, Mather’s poetry serves as an important document for understanding the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped early American society.
Conclusion
Richard Mather stands as a significant figure in 17th-century American poetry, a poet whose work reflected the religious and cultural climate of colonial New England. His poetry, though often overlooked, offers valuable insights into the intersection of faith, culture, and literature in early America. Through his use of poetic forms to express theological ideas, Mather contributed to the development of American poetry, shaping the religious and moral concerns that would continue to define the literary landscape for generations. As we reflect on his life and work, it becomes clear that Richard Mather’s place in the history of American poetry, though not always at the forefront, is integral to understanding the evolution of American literature in its earliest stages.
In the context of 17th-century American poetry, Mather’s works offer both a reflection of his own spiritual journey and a contribution to the larger body of literature that would lay the groundwork for future generations of poets. His legacy is felt not only in the words he wrote but also in the influence he had on the broader American literary tradition.
