John Skelton-one who may have inspired Rap Music

John Skelton (c. 1460-1529) was an English poet and tutor who played a significant role in the development of English literature during the Renaissance period. He is renowned for his innovative use of language, satirical wit, and unconventional poetic style, which set him apart from his contemporaries. He was born sixty years after the death of Chaucer. He died in 1529, 35 years before the birth of Shakespeare. He is a transitional figure between the Middle Ages and Renaissance. He was a celebrated young scholar, a court poet under Henry VII, tutor of the young Henry VIII, a parish priest in rural England, and a court poet again under Henry VIII.

Skelton often wrote in rhyme royal, 7-line stanzas (rhyming a-b-a-b-b-c-c), used Chaucer and others. But in Philip Sparrow, “Elinour Rumming,” and other poems Skelton employed his own idiosyncratic “Skeltonic verse”—short, irregular metrical lines with unpredictable rhyming. Often Skeltonic verse consists of rhyming couplets, but Skelton will repeat a rhyme three or more times to produce a kind of jagged, frenetic effect. More than one commentator has compared Skeltonic verse to a modern-day rap.

Importance:

1. Innovative Poetic Form: Skelton is renowned for his distinctive “Skeltonic verse,” characterized by short, irregular lines with rapid, rhyming couplets. This form gave his poetry a dynamic, rhythmic quality and allowed him to explore complex themes with a playful tone.
2. Satirical Voice: Skelton’s poetry often contained pointed critiques of contemporary society, particularly targeting the corruption within the Church and the English court. His works like “Speke Parott” and “Why Come Ye Not to Court?” boldly satirize figures such as Cardinal Wolsey and the court of King Henry VIII.
3. Cultural Commentary: In addition to his satirical works, Skelton wrote moralistic and allegorical pieces, such as “The Bowge of Courte,” which examined the vices and virtues of courtly life, and “Philip Sparrow,” a poem that combines a personal lament with broader reflections on grief and remembrance.

Skelton was a pioneer in using everyday speech and colloquialisms in his poetry, breaking away from the more formal Latin-influenced style of the time. He employed a playful use of rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay, creating a unique and vibrant style.

Major Works

John Skelton’s major works encompass a variety of genres, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Early Works:

• The Bouge of Court (c. 1496): This allegorical poem criticizes court life, highlighting its shallowness and corruption.
• The Garland of Laurel (c. 1509): A more celebratory poem, it praises Skelton’s patrons and boasts of his own literary achievements.

Satirical Masterpieces:

• Colin Clout (1522): A scathing satire aimed at Cardinal Wolsey, a powerful figure in King Henry VIII’s court.
• Speak, Parrot (c. 1521): Another veiled attack on Wolsey, this poem uses a parrot as a mouthpiece for social commentary.
• Why Come Ye Not to Court? (1522): This satirical piece criticizes those who have abandoned the king’s court, possibly alluding to Wolsey’s rivals.

Other Notable Works:

• The Tunning of Elynour Rummyng (c. 1500): A bawdy and humorous poem about a drunken brawl in an alehouse. It is about a real-life woman who owns a squalid ale-house. In a playfully misogynistic mood, Skelton describes Elinour’s bad hygiene and unpleasant appearance, her unsanitary brewing techniques, and the irresponsible behavior of the neighborhood women who come by for their mid-morning draught of ale. To pay for their ale, these women will sell anything, including the family’s farming tools or their husband’s shirt. Skeltonic verse helps give the poem its wild energy and is effective in suggesting the chaotic world of Elinour and her customers.
• Magnificence (c. 1516): Skelton’s first morality play, it uses allegory to critique social climbers and the pursuit of wealth.
• Aenigma (c. 1499): A collection of riddles showcasing Skelton’s mastery of language and wordplay.
• Philip Sparrow is his most widely read poem, is in large part a stream-of-consciousness monologue written in Skeltonic verse in which a young woman (the real-life Jane Scrope) is in church attending mass but is thinking about the recent death of her pet sparrow, “slain” by Gib, the cat. C.S. Lewis famously called it the first great poem of childhood, and in many ways Jane is child-like. Indeed, there is something delicate and magical in Skelton’s representation of Jane Scrope in the first part of the poem. But Skelton slyly shows us Jane’s emerging sexuality. Philip, we might say, was her first boyfriend. In a later part of the poem, Skelton praises her beauty and virtue—but also openly lusts after her. Jane Scrope was not pleased by this attention.

Skelton’s satirical wit resonates in our own times. His ability to poke fun at authority and social issues remains relevant. His experimentation with language and form encourages us to appreciate the power and creativity of language itself. Skelton’s work bridges the gap between the medieval and Renaissance periods in English literature. He retained some traditional forms while pushing boundaries with his innovative style and use of language.

Skelton’s satirical wit resonates in our own times. His ability to poke fun at authority and social issues remains relevant. His experimentation with language and form encourages us to appreciate the power and creativity of language itself.

Relevance Today

1. Satirical Tradition: Skelton’s sharp satirical approach continues to resonate as modern writers and comedians use humor and wit to critique political and social issues. His work exemplifies the enduring power of satire to challenge authority and provoke thought.
2. Literary Experimentation: Skelton’s inventive use of verse encourages contemporary poets and writers to experiment with language and form, promoting a spirit of innovation in literary creation.
3. Historical Insight: Skelton’s poetry provides valuable insights into the cultural and political dynamics of his time, offering modern readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of the early Tudor period.

Skeltonic Verse and Modern Rap: Rhymes Across the Ages

John Skelton’s innovative “Skeltonic Verse” and modern rap share surprising similarities despite centuries separating them.

• Focus on Rhythm and Rhyme: Both forms prioritize strong rhythm and intricate rhyme schemes. Skelton relied on short, bouncy lines with heavy internal rhyme, while rap uses a variety of rhythmic patterns and complex rhyme sequences.
• Social Commentary: Both Skelton and rappers often use their craft for social commentary. Skelton satirized the clergy and nobility, while rappers address issues like poverty, racism, and police brutality.
• Wordplay and Wit: Both forms utilize wordplay and clever metaphors for emphasis and entertainment. Skelton’s puns and double entendres find echoes in rappers’ lyrical dexterity and punchlines.

However, key differences exist:

• Musicality: Skeltonic verse is meant to be spoken, while rap is often delivered over a beat, adding a musical element.
• Explicitness: Modern rap can be quite explicit, whereas Skelton, while bawdy, worked within the constraints of his time.
• Delivery: Rap performances often involve stage presence and body language, aspects absent in Skeltonic verse.

The Legacy of Skelton:

Skelton’s influence on modern rap might be indirect, but his emphasis on rhythm, rhyme, and social commentary paves the way for later forms of spoken word poetry and hip-hop.

Modern rappers might not be reciting Skelton in their studios, but the spirit of his innovative verse lives on in the power of rhyme and the audacity to challenge the status quo. Both Skelton and the rapper use strong rhymes and a critical tone to challenge authority figures.

So, next time you hear a rapper dropping rhymes, remember John Skelton, the OG of clever verse, who paved the way for centuries of wordplay and social commentary.

In conclusion, John Skelton, though not as widely known as some other Renaissance figures, remains an important voice for his innovative style, biting satire, and contribution to the development of English poetry. His playful use of language and ability to challenge authority continue to resonate with readers today.