The Pastime of Pleasure: An Allegorical Poem

Name: The Pastime of Pleasure: An Allegorical Poem
Author: Stephen Hawes

By Stephen Hawes

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British Literature Classics of Literature Poetry

About This Book

The poem unfolds as a prolonged allegorical journey in which a young seeker receives instruction from personified disciplines and virtues, moves through symbolic courts and chambers, and undertakes quests that pit him against giants, serpents, and seductive pleasures. Episodes blend didactic teaching, moral admonition, and chivalric adventure; recurring personifications — such as Grammar, Logic, Reason, Temperance, and Pleasure — frame debates about learning, sloth, vice, and the rewards of perseverance. The work culminates in martial triumphs and an idealized union that allegorically ties intellectual cultivation to moral and social fulfillment.

About the Author

Stephen Hawes

Stephen Hawes was a 15th-century English poet known for his allegorical works that reflect the moral and social concerns of his time. His notable poem, "The Pastime of Pleasure," explores themes of love and virtue through a rich tapestry of allegory and moral instruction. Hawes also contributed to the literary landscape with works such as "A Joyful Meditation of the Coronation of King Henry the Eighth" and "The Conversion of Swearers," which showcase his engagement with contemporary events and societal issues. His poetry is characterized by its intricate language and a blend of entertainment and didacticism, making him a significant figure in early English literature.