Thomas Randolph
Thomas Randolph (1605-1635) was an English poet and dramatist, known for his contributions to comedy and verse during the early 17th century. Born in Northamptonshire, he was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled in both English and Latin literature. Randolph's works often showcase his classical knowledge, incorporating clever wordplay and themes drawn from Aristotelian philosophy. He was recognized by the prominent playwright Ben Jonson and produced several notable comedic plays, including "Aristippus: Or, The Joviall Philosopher" and "The Jealous Lovers," the latter performed for King Charles I. Despite his promising career, Randolph left London in 1634 to work as a tutor, and he passed away a year later. His literary legacy continued posthumously, with collections of his poems and plays published in the years following his death. Randolph's writings reflect the rich intellectual and cultural milieu of his time, making him a significant figure in English literature.
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Subject Terms
Thomas Randolph
Poet
- Born: June 15, 1605
- Birthplace: Newnham-cum-Badby, Northamptonshire, England
- Died: March 1, 1635
- Place of death: Blatherwycke, Northamptonshire, England
Biography
English poet and dramatist Thomas Randolph was born on June 15, 1605, in Newnham-cum-Badby, Northamptonshire, England, the second son of Elizabeth Smith Randolph and William Randolph, a steward to an aristocratic household. Randolph was educated at Westminster School, where he became a King’s Scholar, and at Trinity College, Cambridge University, gaining a reputation for skill in both English and Latin verse. His work is often full of puns taken from his classical erudition, with one play based on Aristotelian logic and another based on the Aristotelian list of virtues and vices.
Ben Jonson, the leading playwright of the era, adopted Randolph as one of his “sons.” Randolph also was accepted as a fellow at Cambridge in 1629 and received his M.A. in 1631. However, he moved to London in 1632, giving up his fellowship.
While at Cambridge, Randolph wrote several comedic plays in imitation of the classical dramatists. His plays Aristippus: Or, The Joviall Philosopher and The Conceited Pedlar were published in 1630 after being performed at Cambridge. The Muse’s Looking-Glass was also performed about 1630. Probably his best-received comedy was The Jealous Lovers (1632), first performed at Cambridge for King Charles I. Randolph also adapted Aristophane’s The Plutus into his own comedy, Hey for Honesty, which was published posthumously in 1651.
Around 1634 Randolph left London to become a tutor in Blatherwycke, Northamptonshire. He died there in March, 1635, and was buried on March 17 in the parish church.
A few of Randolph’s poems were published during his lifetime; in 1638 a posthumous collection was published that also contained his playsAmyntas and The Muse’s Looking- Glass. His collected plays and poems were edited by W. C. Hazlitt in 1875, and a volume of his poetry, Poems, was published in 1929.