'He That Loves A Rosy Cheek' by Thomas Carew


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1630He that loves a rosy cheek,
Or a coral lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
Fuel to maintain his fires:
As old Time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.But a smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts, and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires:
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.

Editor 1 Interpretation

He That Loves A Rosy Cheek: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, how I adore the classics! And Thomas Carew's "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is no exception. This poem is a sweet, sensuous piece of literature that celebrates the beauty of youth and love. With its vivid imagery, musical language, and romantic undertones, "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is a true gem of English poetry.

Background Information

Thomas Carew was a 17th-century English poet and courtier who served under King Charles I. He was known for his love poems, which were often erotic and sensual in nature. "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is one of his most famous poems and was first published in 1640.

Summary

The poem is written in the first person and is addressed to a young man who loves a woman with a rosy cheek. The speaker begins by describing the beauty of this woman, with her "dimpled chin" and "redder lips than those of Juno." He goes on to say that the woman's youth and beauty are like a "morning dew" that will soon fade away.

The speaker then turns his attention to the young man, urging him to enjoy the pleasures of love while he can. He says that love is like a flower that must be plucked before it withers and dies. He encourages the young man to take advantage of the woman's beauty and youth, and to savor every moment of their time together.

The poem ends with a warning, however. The speaker cautions the young man that love can be dangerous and that it can lead to heartbreak and pain. He advises the young man to be careful and to guard his heart against the perils of love.

Literary Analysis

"He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is a beautifully crafted poem that showcases Carew's skill as a writer. The poem is rich in sensory detail, with its vivid descriptions of the woman's beauty and the pleasures of love. The language is musical and lyrical, with a rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of love itself.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of metaphor. Carew compares the woman's beauty to a "morning dew" and a "rosebud," both of which are fleeting and ephemeral. This metaphor emphasizes the transience of youth and the importance of enjoying life while one can.

The poem also contains several allusions to classical mythology. Carew compares the woman's lips to those of Juno, the queen of the gods in Roman mythology. This allusion serves to elevate the woman's beauty to a divine level and emphasizes the young man's desire for her.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. Carew paints a vivid picture of the woman's beauty, describing her "dimpled chin," "rosy cheek," and "sparkling eye." These images appeal to the senses and create a strong sense of visual beauty.

The poem's structure is also worth noting. It is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. This structure gives the poem a musical quality and reinforces the theme of love as a harmonious, rhythmic experience.

Interpretation

"He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is a poem that celebrates the pleasures of youth and love. The speaker urges the young man to take advantage of the woman's beauty and to savor every moment of their time together. However, the poem also contains a warning about the dangers of love. The speaker cautions the young man that love can lead to heartbreak and pain.

This warning reflects the reality of love in the 17th century, when social norms and conventions often constrained romantic relationships. The poem can be read as a commentary on the limitations of love in a society that valued social status and propriety over personal desire.

Additionally, the poem can be interpreted as an expression of Carew's own desire for a woman with a rosy cheek. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker's language is passionate and sensual. This personal connection to the poem adds a layer of intimacy and emotion to the text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the pleasures of youth and love. With its vivid imagery, musical language, and romantic undertones, the poem is a true masterpiece of English poetry. Carew's skill as a writer is on full display, as he uses metaphor, allusion, and imagery to create a rich and sensual experience for the reader. Whether read as a commentary on societal norms or as a personal expression of desire, "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" remains a timeless work of literature that continues to captivate readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and feelings that are often difficult to put into words. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" by Thomas Carew. This classic poem is a beautiful ode to love and the beauty of a woman's rosy cheeks. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.

The poem begins with the line, "He that loves a rosy cheek, or a coral lip admires." This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, which is a celebration of beauty and love. The speaker is addressing someone who loves a woman's rosy cheeks or coral lips, and he is about to describe the beauty of these features in detail.

The second stanza of the poem describes the rosy cheeks of the woman in question. The speaker says that her cheeks are like "a bed of roses, when that which breeds the sweetest grows." This metaphor compares the woman's cheeks to a bed of roses, which is a common symbol of love and beauty. The speaker is saying that the woman's cheeks are the sweetest part of her, just like the sweetest roses grow in a bed of roses.

The third stanza of the poem describes the coral lips of the woman. The speaker says that her lips are like "two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss." This metaphor compares the woman's lips to two blushing pilgrims, which is a reference to the Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The speaker is saying that the woman's lips are pure and innocent, and they are ready to offer a tender kiss to anyone who touches them roughly.

The fourth stanza of the poem describes the woman's eyes. The speaker says that her eyes are like "fair planets that command the night." This metaphor compares the woman's eyes to planets, which is a common symbol of power and influence. The speaker is saying that the woman's eyes are powerful and commanding, and they have the ability to light up the night.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these elements together. The speaker says that the woman's beauty is so great that it can "make a day that's dark as night." This metaphor suggests that the woman's beauty is so powerful that it can brighten up even the darkest of days. The speaker concludes by saying that anyone who loves a rosy cheek or coral lip should come and see the woman in question, as she is the embodiment of beauty and love.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of metaphors. The speaker uses metaphors throughout the poem to describe the woman's beauty, and each metaphor is carefully chosen to convey a specific aspect of her beauty. For example, the metaphor of the bed of roses in the second stanza suggests that the woman's cheeks are the sweetest part of her, while the metaphor of the blushing pilgrims in the third stanza suggests that her lips are pure and innocent.

Another important aspect of this poem is its historical context. Thomas Carew was a poet who lived in the 17th century, during the reign of King Charles I. This was a time of great social and political upheaval in England, as the country was torn apart by civil war. In this context, Carew's poem can be seen as a celebration of beauty and love in a world that is often dark and violent.

Overall, "He That Loves A Rosy Cheek" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of a woman's rosy cheeks, coral lips, and commanding eyes. The poem is full of metaphors that convey the speaker's admiration for the woman in question, and it is set against the backdrop of a turbulent historical period. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to express emotions and feelings that are often difficult to put into words.

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