'THE BELL-MAN' by Robert Herrick
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Along the dark and silent night,
With my lantern and my light
And the tinkling of my bell,
Thus I walk, and this I tell:
--Death and dreadfulness call on
To the general session;
To whose dismal bar, we there
All accounts must come to clear:
Scores of sins we've made here many;
Wiped out few, God knows, if any.
Rise, ye debtors, then, and fall
To make payment, while I call:
Ponder this, when I am gone:
--By the clock 'tis almost One.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Bell-Man: An Ode to Joy and Celebration
Robert Herrick’s poem, The Bell-Man, is a timeless ode to the joy and celebration of life. Written in the 17th century, the poem’s themes and message are still relevant today. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the poem’s structure, imagery, language, and meaning.
The Structure of The Bell-Man
The Bell-Man is a lyric poem consisting of thirty-two lines, divided into stanzas of four lines each. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, and GHGH. The rhythm of the poem is iambic tetrameter, with four stressed syllables followed by four unstressed syllables in each line. This regular structure gives the poem a musical quality that is perfectly suited to its themes of joy and celebration.
The Imagery of The Bell-Man
Herrick’s use of imagery in The Bell-Man is rich and varied, creating a vivid and sensory experience for the reader. The poem opens with an image of the Bell-Man ringing his bell:
From noise of scare-fires rest ye free, From murders Benedicite. From all mischances that may fright Your pleasing slumbers in the night, Mercy secure ye all, and keep The goblin from ye while ye sleep. Past one aclock, and almost two, My masters all, Good day to you.
The Bell-Man is a traditional figure in English folklore, who would walk through the streets at night ringing his bell to warn the inhabitants of any danger. In Herrick’s poem, the Bell-Man is a symbol of safety and security, protecting the people from harm.
The imagery throughout the poem is playful and whimsical, reflecting the joy and celebration that the Bell-Man brings. Herrick describes the ringing of the bell as “a sound / That hath been, and still is found, / T’ have in it some vertue more / Than other sounds have, or before.” This suggests that the ringing of the bell has a magical quality, imbuing the air with a sense of joy and celebration.
The Language of The Bell-Man
Herrick’s use of language in The Bell-Man is simple and direct, yet full of wit and charm. The poem is written in plain English, with no obscure or complex vocabulary. This makes the poem accessible to all readers, regardless of their level of education.
The language is also full of puns and wordplay, adding to the poem’s whimsical tone. For example, Herrick uses the word “Benedicite” in the second line, which is both a blessing and a pun on the word “bed”. This creates a playful and lighthearted atmosphere that is perfectly suited to the poem’s themes.
The Meaning of The Bell-Man
The Bell-Man is a poem about the joy and celebration of life, and the importance of seizing the moment. The Bell-Man is a symbol of the passing of time, reminding us that life is short and we should make the most of it.
The poem encourages us to “rejoice” and “be merry”, and to “let all the world in every corner sing”. The repetition of these phrases throughout the poem reinforces the message that we should celebrate life and enjoy ourselves while we can.
The poem also has a deeper message about the power of music to bring people together. The Bell-Man’s ringing of the bell is compared to the singing of the angels in heaven, suggesting that music is a divine force that can unite people in joy and celebration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Bell-Man is a beautiful and timeless poem that celebrates the joy and beauty of life. Herrick’s skillful use of structure, imagery, language, and meaning creates a work that is both playful and profound. The poem’s message is just as relevant today as it was in the 17th century, reminding us to cherish life and make the most of every moment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Bell-Man by Robert Herrick is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is full of rich imagery, vivid descriptions, and a powerful message that resonates with readers even today. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language, and uncovering the deeper meaning behind the words.
The Bell-Man is a poem that is steeped in tradition and folklore. It tells the story of the Bell-Man, a figure who would walk through the streets of towns and villages, ringing a bell to announce the time and to warn people of danger. The poem begins with a description of the Bell-Man, who is portrayed as a mysterious and somewhat ominous figure:
"From noise of scare-fires rest ye free, From murders benedictie, From all mischances that may fright Your pleasing slumbers in the night, Mercy secure ye all, and keep The goblin from ye while ye sleep."
The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come. The Bell-Man is not just a simple town crier, but a figure who is associated with danger and fear. The use of words such as "scare-fires" and "murders" creates a sense of unease and tension, and the reference to "goblins" adds to the sense of mystery and otherworldliness.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the role of the Bell-Man. He is not just a messenger of time, but a protector of the people. He is there to warn them of danger and to keep them safe:
"The Bell-man's ditty is then best, That saith, 'Past twelve o'clock, and, aye, good rest.' With bridles rang'd, lo, now he goes, And all the pavement sounds with shoes. This done, he doth improve his voice, And sings, and says, 'Good people, rejoice! The world's turned round, and from this day The nights are shorter than the day; Now, till next year, you'll no more see Such length in't as the night's will be. Then, ere you farther go, Consider well the tale I show: If right to bed, the night before, And early rise, you'll ne'er implore What help the Bell-man's verse can lend, But never miss a night's sweet end.'"
The Bell-Man's role as a protector is emphasized in these lines. He is there to remind people to take care of themselves, to go to bed early, and to rise early. By doing so, they will avoid the need for the Bell-Man's help and will be able to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep. The use of rhyme and repetition in these lines creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, adding to the poem's overall impact.
The Bell-Man is also portrayed as a figure of authority. He is someone who is respected and listened to by the people:
"Thus have you heard my tale of truth: Then, when you hear the Bell-man's tooth, The Lord to bed be with you all, And give you grace to watch his call."
The final lines of the poem emphasize the Bell-Man's authority and his role as a messenger of God. He is there to remind people of their duty to God and to encourage them to live a virtuous life.
In terms of structure, The Bell-Man is a poem that is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The use of rhyme and repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence, and the poem's overall structure is simple and straightforward. The language used in the poem is also simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand and appreciate.
In conclusion, The Bell-Man by Robert Herrick is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is full of rich imagery, vivid descriptions, and a powerful message that resonates with readers even today. The Bell-Man is not just a simple town crier, but a figure who is associated with danger and fear. He is there to warn people of danger and to keep them safe. The use of rhyme and repetition creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, adding to the poem's overall impact. The Bell-Man is a poem that is steeped in tradition and folklore, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a culture and a time.
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