'Corinna's Going A-Maying' by Robert Herrick
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Get up, get up for shame! the blooming morn
Upon her wings presents the god unshorn.
See how Aurora throws her fair
Fresh-quilted colours through the air!
Get up, sweet slug-a-bed, and see
The dew bespangled herb and tree.
Each flower has wept and bowed toward the east
Above an hour since,—yet you not dressed;
Nay! not so much as out of bed?
When all the birds have matins said
And sung their thankful hymns, 'tis sin—
Nay, profanation—to keep in,
Whenas a thousand virgins on this day
Spring sooner than the lark, to fetch in May.
Rise, and put on your foliage, and be seen
To come forth, like the springtime, fresh and green
And sweet as Flora. Take no care
For jewels for your gown or hair:
Fear not, the leaves will strew
Gems in abundance upon you:
Besides, the childhood of the day has kept,
Against you come, some orient pearls unwept.
Come, and receive them while the light
Hangs on the dew-locks of the night:
And Titan on the eastern hill
Retires himself, or else stands still
Till you come forth. Wash, dress, be brief in praying:
Few beads are best when once we go a-Maying.
Come, my Corinna, come; and coming, mark
How each field turns a street, each street a park
Made green and trimmed with trees! See how
Devotion gives each house a bough
Or branch! Each porch, each door, ere this
An ark, a tabernacle is,
Made up of whitethorn neatly interwove,
As if here were those cooler shades of love.
Can such delights be in the street
And open fields and we not see 't?
Come, we'll abroad; and let's obey
The proclamation made for May,
And sin no more, as we have done, by staying;
But, my Corinna, come, let's go a-Maying.
There's not a budding boy or girl this day
But is got up and gone to bring in May.
A deal of youth, ere this, is come
Back, and with whitethorn laden, home.
Some have dispatched their cakes and cream,
Before that we have left to dream;
And some have wept and wooed and plighted troth,
And chose their priest, ere we can cast off sloth:
Many a green-gown has been given,
Many a kiss, both odd and even;
Many a glance too has been sent
From out the eye, love's firmament;
Many a jest told of the key's betraying
This night, and locks picked: yet we're not a-Maying!
Come, let us go while we are in our prime,
And take the harmless folly of the time!
We shall grow old apace, and die
Before we know our liberty.
Our life is short, and our days run
As fast away as does the sun;
And, as a vapour or a drop of rain,
Once lost can ne'er be found again;
So when or you or I are made
A fable, song, or fleeting shade,
All love, all liking, all delight
Lies drowned with us in endless night.
Then while time serves, and we are but decaying,
Come, my Corinna, come, let's go a-Maying!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Corinna's Going A-Maying by Robert Herrick: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you looking for a poem that celebrates the joys of spring, love, and nature? Look no further than Robert Herrick's "Corinna's Going A-Maying." This classic poem, written in the 17th century, is a perfect example of the pastoral tradition in literature. In this detailed literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, language, and imagery of this delightful poem.
Themes:
The themes of "Corinna's Going A-Maying" are spring, love, and nature. The poem celebrates the joy and beauty of spring, the pleasures of love, and the wonders of nature. Herrick uses these themes to express his belief in the power of love and nature to bring happiness and harmony to human life.
Spring is the dominant theme of the poem. Herrick describes the season in all its glory, from the blooming flowers and trees to the singing birds and buzzing bees. He uses vivid and sensual language to convey the beauty and vitality of spring. Through his descriptions, we can feel the warmth of the sun, smell the fragrant flowers, and hear the sweet music of nature.
Love is another important theme in the poem. Herrick portrays love as a force that unites people and brings them closer to nature. He celebrates the joys of love, from the simple pleasures of holding hands and walking together to the more passionate pleasures of kissing and making love. He suggests that love is not only a personal experience but also a social and communal one, as the group of friends in the poem share their love for each other and for nature.
Nature is the third major theme of the poem. Herrick uses nature to symbolize the beauty and goodness of life. He suggests that nature is a source of happiness and inspiration for human beings. He also suggests that nature is a reflection of human emotions and desires. For example, the roses in the poem symbolize the beauty and fragility of love, while the lilies symbolize the purity and innocence of youth.
Structure:
The structure of "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is simple and straightforward. It consists of four stanzas, each containing eight lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD, with each stanza ending in a couplet. The meter of the poem is iambic tetrameter, with four stressed syllables and four unstressed syllables in each line.
The simplicity of the poem's structure reflects its pastoral theme. The poem is meant to be read aloud and enjoyed for its musical quality and rhythmic flow. The regularity of the rhyme and meter creates a sense of harmony and balance that reflects the natural world.
The poem is also characterized by repetition and parallelism. Herrick repeats key phrases and images throughout the poem, such as "get up, get up for shame" and "rise, and put on your foliage." He also uses parallelism to create a sense of symmetry and balance. For example, in the second stanza, he compares the sun to a "conquering flame" and the flowers to a "troop in their bright apparel," creating a parallel between the natural and human worlds.
Language:
The language of "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is rich and sensual. Herrick uses a variety of poetic devices to enhance the beauty and musicality of the poem. He employs metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole to create vivid and memorable images.
One of the most striking features of the poem is Herrick's use of personification. He personifies nature throughout the poem, giving human qualities to the sun, flowers, trees, and birds. For example, he describes the sun as a "conquering flame" and the flowers as a "troop in their bright apparel." These personifications create a sense of intimacy and connection between human beings and the natural world.
Herrick also uses metaphor and simile to convey the beauty and vitality of spring. He compares the sun to a "conquering flame," the flowers to a "troop in their bright apparel," and the birds to "choristers." These comparisons create vivid and memorable images that capture the essence of spring.
In addition to these poetic devices, Herrick also employs hyperbole to express the intensity of his emotions. He exaggerates the joy and excitement of the characters in the poem, describing them as "mad with joy" and "drunk with pleasure." These hyperboles create a sense of exuberance and ecstasy that reflects the theme of the poem.
Imagery:
The imagery of "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is lush and vibrant. Herrick uses a wide range of images to convey the beauty and vitality of spring, love, and nature. He employs visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile images to create a rich sensory experience for the reader.
One of the most striking visual images in the poem is the description of the flowers. Herrick uses a variety of flower names, such as "violets," "cowslips," "primroses," and "roses," to create a colorful and fragrant image of the natural world. He also describes the trees as "laden with leaves" and the birds as "choristers," creating a sense of movement and sound in the poem.
Herrick also uses olfactory and tactile images to create a sense of intimacy and sensuality in the poem. He describes the fragrant smell of the flowers, the softness of the grass, and the warmth of the sun. These images create a sense of closeness and intimacy between the characters and the natural world.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a delightful poem that celebrates the joys of spring, love, and nature. Through his vivid and sensual language, Herrick creates a rich sensory experience for the reader, evoking the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the natural world. The poem's simple structure and repetition create a sense of harmony and balance, reflecting the pastoral tradition in literature. Overall, "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a timeless work of poetry that continues to delight and inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Corinna's Going A-Maying: A Timeless Ode to Spring
Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season of renewal and rebirth than with a classic poem that captures the essence of this magical time of year? Robert Herrick's "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a lyrical masterpiece that transports us to a world of joy, love, and beauty. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this timeless ode to spring and discover why it continues to captivate readers centuries after it was written.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "Get up, get up for shame, the blooming morn." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, urging us to wake up and embrace the beauty of the day. The speaker is addressing his beloved Corinna, urging her to join him and their friends on a May Day excursion. May Day was a popular celebration in medieval and Renaissance Europe, marking the beginning of spring and the return of fertility to the land. It was a time of joy, revelry, and romance, and Herrick's poem captures the spirit of this festive occasion.
The first stanza sets the scene for the May Day excursion, describing the beauty of the countryside and the flowers that adorn it. The speaker invites Corinna to "come, let us go, while we are in our prime," emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth and the need to seize the moment. He urges her to "dress thyself in thine own loveliness," suggesting that she needs no adornment to be beautiful. The imagery of the "primrose bank" and the "cowslip" flowers creates a vivid picture of the natural world in spring, and the use of alliteration and rhyme adds to the musicality of the poem.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the human world, as the speaker describes the preparations for the May Day celebration. He tells Corinna to "bring with thee, and come," suggesting that she is not alone in this endeavor. The use of the word "thee" instead of "you" adds to the archaic feel of the poem, reminding us of its historical context. The speaker describes the "garlands" and "posies" that will be worn by the revelers, emphasizing the importance of beauty and adornment in this festive occasion. He also mentions the "maiden" who will be crowned as the queen of May, highlighting the role of women in this celebration.
The third stanza returns to the natural world, as the speaker describes the birds and animals that inhabit it. He tells Corinna to "hear the mellow horn," suggesting that music is an integral part of the May Day celebration. The use of the word "mellow" adds to the pastoral feel of the poem, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker also mentions the "lusty" spring, emphasizing the vitality and energy of this season. The use of the word "lusty" is interesting, as it suggests a sexual connotation that is in keeping with the themes of love and romance that pervade the poem.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most famous and memorable of the poem, as the speaker describes the activities that will take place during the May Day excursion. He tells Corinna to "rise, and put on your foliage, and be seen," suggesting that she should dress up and show off her beauty. The use of the word "foliage" is interesting, as it suggests a connection between human adornment and natural beauty. The speaker describes the "dancing" and "delight" that will take place, emphasizing the joy and happiness of this occasion. He also mentions the "green gown" that Corinna will wear, highlighting the importance of color and symbolism in this celebration.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. He tells Corinna to "gather ye rosebuds while ye may," emphasizing the need to seize the moment and enjoy life while we can. The use of the word "rosebuds" is interesting, as it suggests a connection between human beauty and the natural world. The speaker also mentions the "time still flying," reminding us of the transience of life and the need to make the most of it. The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker tells Corinna to "use your time, and while ye may, go marry," suggesting that love and marriage are the ultimate goals of life.
In conclusion, "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a timeless ode to spring that captures the spirit of joy, love, and beauty that pervades this season. Through its vivid imagery, musical language, and timeless themes, the poem transports us to a world of pastoral bliss and romantic idealism. It reminds us of the importance of seizing the moment, enjoying life, and embracing the beauty of the natural world. As we celebrate the arrival of spring, let us take a moment to savor the beauty of this classic poem and the timeless truths it contains.
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