In 1675, John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, was exiled from the royal court due to his notorious behavior and provocative writings. This exile took place during the reign of King Charles II, a time when courtly life was marked by strict social norms and expectations. The period away from court life provided Wilmot with the solitude to reflect on his controversial works and personal choices, ultimately influencing his later poetry and prose. His time in exile is often seen as a critical phase in his artistic development, allowing him to critique the very society that had cast him out.

The exile provided Wilmot with the space to explore deeper themes of isolation and disillusionment in his poetry, leading to some of his most profound works during this time.