Born in London in 1573 to Catholic family. Father died when he was three, raised by mother Elizabeth Haywood. Studied at Oxford and Cambridge but couldn't get diploma. Trained as barrister at Lincoln's Inn
Published in Songs of Innocence in 1789. Contrasts with Blake's "The Tyger" in Songs of Experience. Written as a Christian poem about Jesus Christ
Metaphysical poetry explores abstract ideas and philosophical concepts. Term coined by Samuel Johnson in 1779 as insulting collection of 17th-century poets. Never an official group, but flourished in England during 17th century
Born in 1572 to Catholic merchant father and Elizabeth Heywood. Entered Oxford and Cambridge but never received degrees. Studied law at Lincoln's Inn at age 20
Born in London to Roman Catholic family, converted to Anglicanism. Studied at Oxford and Cambridge but didn't earn degrees. Started law studies at Lincoln's Inn in 1592
Born in 1572 to Catholic parents in England. Studied at Oxford and Lincoln's Inn before becoming Sir Thomas Egerton's secretary. Married Ann More in 1601, despite opposition from her father. Lost his job in 1602 and took holy orders in 1615