The purpose of this study is to evaluate, and hopefully, to elevate the literary currency of Richard Lovelace. To this end, various methods and approaches will be utilized in order to capture a comprehensive, yet coherent view of Lovelace and his poetry. Specifically, these methods and approaches will include: a survey of Lovelace\u27s biography, including clarification of discrepancies among authorities concerning pertinent details of his life; a location of Lovelace in the primary social, philosophical, and poetical movements of the early seventeenth century; an identification of Lovelace as a Cavalier poet, differentiating him from other Cavaliers; an analysis of representative poetry according to theme, imagery, and conflict-structures; and a summation of Lovelace\u27s critical reception since the Publication of Lucasta. Recent criticism, while inconclusive and sparse, points to an increased awareness of Lovelace\u27s conscious craftsmanship. This study is an effort at bringing this vision of Lovelace into clearer focus
