Richard Lovelace, "To Lucasta"

1) Cultural/Political Context - This poem was published in 1649, the year of Charles I's beheading by the Puritans. In 1648, Lovelace was imprisoned for 10 months along with other well known royalists.
 

2) Claim - This poem, which was published during a period of great political and social strife, expresses the pervading conflict between love and honor. The speaker yearns for battle with a fervent passion and is ready to sacrifice himself and his adored objects for honor.
 

3) How the context informs the claim of the work - This poem illuminates Lovelace's steadfast allegiance to the Cavalier party. Along with addressing Cavalier ideals of women and royalism, the work affirms the necessity of one to fight for his beliefs.