'Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold' by Edward Taylor

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The bear that breathes the northern blast
Did numb, torpedo-like, a wasp
Whose stiffened limbs encramped, lay bathing
In Sol's warm breath and shine as saving,
Which with her hands she chafes and stands
Rubbing her legs, shanks, thighs, and hands.
Her pretty toes, and fingers' ends
Nipped with this breath, she out extends
Unto the sun, in great desire
To warm her digits at that fire.
Doth hold her temples in this state
Where pulse doth beat, and head doth ache.
Doth turn, and stretch her body small,
Doth comb her velvet capital.
As if her little brain pan were
A volume of choice precepts clear.
As if her satin jacket hot
Contained apothecary's shop
Of nature's receipts, that prevails
To remedy all her sad ails,
As if her velvet helmet high
Did turret rationality.
She fans her wing up to the wind
As if her pettycoat were lined,
With reason's fleece, and hoists sails
And humming flies in thankful gales
Unto her dun curled palace hall
Her warm thanks offering for all.Lord, clear my misted sight that I
May hence view Thy divinity,
Some sparks whereof thou up dost hasp
Within this little downy wasp
In whose small corporation we
A school and a schoolmaster see,
Where we may learn, and easily find
A nimble spirit bravely mind
Her work in every limb: and lace
It up neat with a vital grace,
Acting each part though ne'er so small
Here of this fustian animal.
Till I enravished climb into
The Godhead on this ladder do,
Where all my pipes inspired upraise
An heavenly music furred with praise.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

"Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a classic poem written by Edward Taylor, one of the significant poets of the American colonial period. The poem explores the death of a wasp that has been chilled by the cold, providing an excellent depiction of mortality and the fragility of life. With the use of various literary devices, Taylor creates a vivid image of the wasp's death and explores the deeper themes of mortality and the human condition. This literary criticism and interpretation will delve into the poem's themes, literary devices, and historical context to provide a comprehensive understanding of the poem.

Historical Context

To appreciate the significance of "Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold," one needs to understand the historical context in which it was written. Edward Taylor was a Puritan minister who lived in colonial America during the 17th century. Puritans during this period were known for their strict religious beliefs and values, which significantly influenced the way they viewed life and death. Their faith and beliefs were grounded in the idea of predestination, which means that God had already chosen those who would go to heaven or hell before they were born. As a result, Puritan writers often explored themes of death and mortality as a way to understand God's plan and their place in it.

Themes

Upon first reading "Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold," the poem's theme of mortality is apparent. The poem explores the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The wasp, once a vibrant and lively creature, is now frozen in death, reminding the reader that death can come suddenly and without warning. The poem also touches on the idea of the transience of life, emphasizing that everything must come to an end eventually.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the relationship between nature and humanity. The wasp symbolizes nature, and its death represents the natural order of things. However, the poem also speaks to the human experience of death, suggesting that the wasp's death is not just a natural occurrence but also a reminder of human mortality.

Finally, the poem explores the idea of the afterlife. The wasp's death suggests that there is an existence beyond this life, providing a glimpse into what lies beyond death. This theme was particularly relevant to Puritans, who believed that their actions in life would determine their fate in the afterlife.

Literary Devices

"Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a remarkable piece of poetry that uses various literary devices to create a vivid image of the wasp's death. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is personification. Taylor personifies the wasp, describing it as having "warmth, life, and spirit fled." By anthropomorphizing the wasp, Taylor emphasizes the wasp's once-lively state, making its death more poignant.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Taylor employs vivid imagery to create a picture of the wasp's death, such as "the dew doth coldly steep" and "the sunbeams warm." This imagery not only creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind but also intensifies the emotional impact of the poem.

The poem also uses symbolism to convey its themes. The wasp symbolizes nature, and its death represents the natural order of things. The sun and the heat it provides symbolize life, while the cold represents death. The poem's use of symbolism creates a deeper meaning that goes beyond the surface level description of the wasp's death.

Finally, the poem uses metaphor to describe the wasp's death. Taylor compares the wasp's death to a "soul's departure" and describes the wasp as "chilled with cold." This use of metaphor elevates the poem beyond a simple depiction of nature and explores the spiritual aspects of mortality.

Interpretation

"Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a beautiful poem that explores the themes of mortality, the transience of life, the relationship between nature and humanity, and the afterlife. By using literary devices such as personification, imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, Taylor creates a vivid image of the wasp's death, emphasizing its once-lively state and the inevitability of death. The poem provides a glimpse into the human experience of death and the spiritual realm beyond life, making it particularly relevant to Puritan readers.

The poem's beauty lies in its simplicity. Taylor's use of plain language and simple imagery creates a powerful emotional impact that transcends time and cultural boundaries. The poem's themes are universal, speaking to the human experience of mortality and the inevitability of death. "Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold: A Masterpiece of Metaphysical Poetry

Edward Taylor, a 17th-century American poet, is known for his metaphysical poetry that explores the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds. One of his most famous poems, "Poetry Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold," is a perfect example of his unique style and philosophical depth.

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple description of a wasp that has been chilled by the cold weather. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that Taylor is using the wasp as a metaphor for the human soul and its relationship with God.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the wasp, which is "benumbed and chill'd with cold." The use of the word "benumbed" suggests that the wasp is not just cold, but also numb and lifeless. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of life and death.

Taylor then goes on to describe how the wasp is "revived" by the warmth of the sun. This is a metaphor for the human soul being revived by the warmth of God's love. The sun, in this case, represents God's love and grace, which has the power to bring life back to the soul that has been chilled by the coldness of sin and despair.

The poet then goes on to describe how the wasp "waxed brisk and bold." The use of the word "brisk" suggests that the wasp is now full of energy and life. This is a metaphor for the human soul being filled with the energy and life that comes from being in a close relationship with God.

Taylor then goes on to describe how the wasp "spread his wings of gold." This is a metaphor for the human soul spreading its wings and soaring to new heights in its relationship with God. The use of the word "gold" suggests that this relationship is precious and valuable, like gold.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Taylor describes how the wasp is "struck dead" by a "wanton foot." This is a metaphor for the human soul being struck down by sin and temptation. The use of the word "wanton" suggests that this sin is not just accidental, but deliberate and intentional.

However, the poem ends on a hopeful note, as Taylor describes how the wasp is "revived again." This is a metaphor for the human soul being revived by God's grace and forgiveness. The use of the word "again" suggests that this is not a one-time event, but a continual process of revival and renewal.

Overall, "Poetry Upon A Wasp Chilled With Cold" is a masterpiece of metaphysical poetry that explores the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Taylor takes us on a journey from despair to hope, from death to life. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to express the deepest truths of the human experience.

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