Thomas Occleve, also known as Thomas Hoccleve or Hoccleve, was an English poet and clerk who lived during the late medieval period, around the years 1368 to 1426. Occleve is best known for his work as a bureaucrat in the Office of the Privy Seal, which gave him a close-up view of the workings of the English government, and for his poetry, which offers insight into the culture and society of his time.
Occleve’s poetry is considered significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it shows a strong influence from Geoffrey Chaucer, whom Occleve admired greatly; in fact, Occleve considered himself a disciple of Chaucer and his most famous work, “De Regimine Principum” (also known as “The Governance of Princes”), includes a long lament for Chaucer's death. This work is a didactic poem addressed to Prince Henry, later King Henry V, which mixes moral advice with personal reflections and autobiographical elements.
Other notable works by Occleve include “La Male Regle,” where he confesses his own mismanagement of his life and finances, and “Complaint” and “Dialogue,” which combine moralistic elements with personal experience. His writing often blends formal, doctrinal content with colloquial and personal reflections, which helps portray the human side of bureaucratic life in early 15th-century England.
Occleve's works are not only valuable for their literary qualities but also as historical documents. Through his writings, he provides insights into the everyday life, politics, and social issues of his time. Additionally, his manuscripts are some of the earliest examples that have illustrations, likely self-portraits, which give a face to this historical figure.
Despite not achieving the same level of fame as Chaucer, Occleve’s contributions help us understand the transition from the medieval to the early modern period in English literature and culture.
Yes, Thomas Hoccleve can be considered a critic of his time, particularly in the realms of society and governance. Through his poetry, Hoccleve often expressed concerns about the political and social issues of his era, such as corruption in the church and government, the moral and administrative failures of the ruling elite, and the hardships faced by common people. His work reflects a keen awareness of the conditions of his time and often carries a critical voice, subtly advocating for reform and better governance. This critical perspective is evident in works like "The Regiment of Princes," which, while ostensibly a mirror-for-princes text offering advice to rulers, also contains implicit criticism of contemporary rulers and their failings.
Thomas Occleve, or Hoccleve as he's also known, was a poet and bureaucrat in early 15th-century England, often seen in the literary shadow of his more famous contemporary, Geoffrey Chaucer. Despite being a less familiar figure today, Occleve's work has elements that modern audiences can find intriguing and resonant.
Human experience and emotional expression: Occleve’s poetry often delves into his personal experiences, anxieties, and the human condition. His "Complaint" and "Dialogue with a Friend" expose his struggles with mental health, financial instability, and social expectations. This openness to discussing personal vulnerability and mental health can resonate with modern readers who value emotional expression and mental health awareness.
Reflections on aging and self-awareness: Occleve’s "De Regimine Principum" includes autobiographical elements where he reflects on the aging process and his fears of mental and physical decline. These themes are universal and timeless, touching on concerns that are as relevant today as they were in the 15th century.
Bureaucracy and professional life: His work also reflects his career in the bureaucracy of the Privy Seal office. Though the specifics of bureaucratic life have changed, the frustrations and dynamics in a professional setting can be relatable to anyone who has navigated complex workplaces.
Literary connections: Occleve famously championed and reflected on the works of Chaucer, whom he considered a great influence. His passages lamenting Chaucer's death and reflecting on his legacy show a literary engagement that can be interesting to those who study intertextual connections and mentor-mentee relationships in literature.
While it's true that the medieval context of Occleve's work might pose challenges for direct relatability, his thematic preoccupations—personal struggles, professional life, and aging—are indeed capable of resonating with a contemporary audience. Moreover, his style, which mixes colloquial language with formal meters, can be both a subject of literary interest and a window into the linguistic past of English.