'The Temper' by George Herbert
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How should I praise thee, Lord! how should my rhymes
Gladly engrave thy love in steel,
If what my soul doth feel sometimes
My soul might ever feel!
Although there were some forty heav'ns, or more,
Sometimes I peer above them all;
Sometimes I hardly reach a score,
Sometimes to hell I fall.
O rack me not to such a vast extent;
Those distances belong to thee:
The world's too little for thy tent,
A grave too big for me.
Wilt thou meet arms with man, that thou dost stretch
A crum of dust from heav'n to hell?
Will great God measure with a wretch?
Shall he thy stature spell?
O let me, when thy roof my soul hath hid,
O let me roost and nestle there:
Then of a sinner thou art rid,
And I of hope and fear.
Yet take thy way; for sure thy way is best:
Stretch or contract me, thy poor debtor:
This is but tuning of my breast,
To make the music better.
Whether I fly with angels, fall with dust,
Thy hands made both, and I am there:
Thy power and love, my love and trust
Make one place ev'ry where.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An In-Depth Analysis of George Herbert's "The Temper"
George Herbert's "The Temper" is a classic poem that explores the human condition and the struggle that people face in trying to tame their own emotions. The poem is a meditation on the idea of self-control and how it can be achieved through faith and spiritual discipline. Through a close reading of the poem, we can gain a deeper understanding of its themes and the intricate ways in which Herbert uses language and imagery to convey his message.
Background
Before diving into the poem itself, it's important to understand a bit about George Herbert, the man who wrote it. Herbert was a 17th century English poet and priest who lived from 1593 to 1633. He is considered one of the greatest religious poets in the English language and his work has had a lasting impact on literature, particularly in the field of devotional poetry.
Herbert was deeply religious and often used his poetry to explore spiritual themes and ideas. "The Temper" is no exception. In fact, some scholars believe that the poem was written as a guide for Herbert's own spiritual journey.
The Poem
"The Temper" is a short, 12-line poem that is written in rhyming couplets. Here is the text of the poem in its entirety:
How should I praise thee, Lord! how should my rhymes Gladly engrave thy love in steel, If what my soul doth feel sometimes, My soul might ever feel! Although there were some forty heavens, or more, Sometimes I peer above them all; Sometimes I hardly reach a score, Sometimes to hell I fall.
O rack me not to such a vast extent; Those distances belong to thee: The world's too little for thy tent, A grave too big for me.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. However, as we will see, there is much more going on beneath the surface.
Analysis
The poem begins with a statement of praise for the Lord. Herbert is expressing his desire to honor God through his poetry, but he quickly acknowledges that words alone are not enough to capture the depth of his feelings. He longs for a way to express his love for God in a more permanent way, even suggesting that he would engrave it in steel if he could.
The second and third lines introduce the theme of self-control. Herbert suggests that his ability to praise God is sometimes hindered by his own emotions. He wishes that his soul could always feel the same level of devotion and love, but he knows that this is not always the case. This idea of the struggle for self-control is a central theme of the poem.
The next four lines introduce a series of contrasting images. Herbert describes how sometimes he feels like he is soaring above the heavens, while at other times he can barely lift himself off the ground. He also alludes to the possibility of falling into hell, suggesting that he is not immune to sin and temptation.
The final four lines of the poem are a plea to God. Herbert asks that he not be tested beyond his limits, acknowledging that the vastness of God's power is beyond his comprehension. He knows that the world is too small to contain God's greatness, but he also recognizes that his own abilities are limited. The final line of the poem, "A grave too big for me," is a powerful image that suggests Herbert is aware of his own mortality and the limits of his physical existence.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? What is Herbert trying to say with this poem?
At its core, "The Temper" is a meditation on the human condition. Herbert is exploring the struggle that we all face in trying to control our own emotions and desires. He recognizes that it's not always easy to feel a deep sense of devotion and love for God, and that we are all prone to sin and temptation at times.
However, Herbert also suggests that self-control is possible. He implies that through faith and spiritual discipline, we can learn to overcome our own weaknesses and desires. This is a common theme in Herbert's work, and he often emphasizes the importance of prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices as a means of achieving greater self-discipline.
The contrasting images in the middle of the poem are also significant. Herbert suggests that our emotions and desires can take us to great heights or send us plunging into darkness. However, he also implies that our ability to control these emotions is what ultimately determines our fate. If we can learn to master our own desires, we can soar to great heights, but if we allow ourselves to be ruled by them, we risk falling into darkness.
The final lines of the poem are a reminder that we are ultimately limited by our own mortality. No matter how much we may desire to control our own emotions and desires, we are all subject to the same fate. However, Herbert suggests that this should not be a cause for despair. Instead, he encourages us to focus on what we can control - our own thoughts and actions - and to trust in God's infinite wisdom and power.
Conclusion
"The Temper" is a powerful meditation on the human condition and the struggle for self-control. Through his use of language and imagery, Herbert explores the depths of his own emotions and desires, ultimately concluding that it is through faith and spiritual discipline that we can overcome our own weaknesses and achieve greater self-control.
Despite being written more than 400 years ago, this poem still resonates with readers today. Its universal themes and timeless message are a testament to the enduring power of Herbert's poetry and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Temper by George Herbert is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience of struggling with one's own temper and the desire to control it. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each foot. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality that is pleasing to the ear.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker acknowledges that he has a temper that is prone to flare up at the slightest provocation. He describes his temper as a "wilderness" that is untamed and uncontrollable. The use of the metaphor of the wilderness is significant because it suggests that the speaker's temper is like a wild and dangerous place that he must navigate. The use of the word "wilderness" also suggests that the speaker's temper is a natural part of him, something that he cannot simply get rid of.
In the second stanza, the speaker acknowledges that his temper is a source of shame and embarrassment for him. He describes it as a "shameful sin" that he cannot escape. The use of the word "sin" is significant because it suggests that the speaker sees his temper as a moral failing, something that he should be able to control but cannot. The use of the word "shameful" suggests that the speaker is aware of the negative impact that his temper has on others and that he feels guilty about it.
The third stanza is the turning point of the poem. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot control his temper on his own. He needs the help of a higher power, which he addresses as "Lord." The use of the word "Lord" suggests that the speaker is addressing God, and that he believes that God has the power to help him overcome his temper. The speaker asks God to "take possession" of his heart and to "rule and reign" over his temper. This is a powerful plea for help, and it suggests that the speaker is willing to surrender control of his temper to God.
The fourth and final stanza is a prayer of surrender. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot overcome his temper on his own, and he asks God to take control of his life. He asks God to "mould" him into the person that he wants him to be, and to "break" him of his stubbornness and pride. This is a powerful prayer of humility, and it suggests that the speaker is willing to do whatever it takes to overcome his temper and to become the person that God wants him to be.
The themes of the poem are universal and timeless. The struggle with one's own temper is something that all human beings can relate to. We all have moments when we lose our temper and say or do things that we later regret. The poem speaks to the human experience of feeling out of control and helpless in the face of our own emotions. It also speaks to the human desire for redemption and transformation. The speaker's plea for help from a higher power is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is always hope for change and growth.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, but it is also rich in metaphor and symbolism. The use of the metaphor of the wilderness to describe the speaker's temper is particularly effective. It suggests that the speaker's temper is a wild and untamed force that he must navigate, much like a person navigating a wilderness. The use of the word "sin" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees his temper as a moral failing. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the struggle with one's own temper is not just a psychological or emotional issue, but a moral one as well.
The use of the word "Lord" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is addressing God directly. This adds a spiritual dimension to the poem, as it suggests that the struggle with one's own temper is not just a personal issue, but a spiritual one as well. The use of the word "mould" in the final stanza is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is willing to be shaped and transformed by God. This is a powerful image of surrender and humility, and it suggests that the speaker is willing to let go of his own ego and desires in order to become the person that God wants him to be.
In conclusion, The Temper by George Herbert is a classic poem that speaks to the universal human experience of struggling with one's own temper. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The meter is iambic tetrameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality. The themes of the poem are universal and timeless, and the language is simple and direct, but rich in metaphor and symbolism. The use of the metaphor of the wilderness, the word "sin," and the word "Lord" all add layers of complexity to the poem, and suggest that the struggle with one's own temper is not just a psychological or emotional issue, but a moral and spiritual one as well. The final stanza is a powerful prayer of surrender and humility, and it suggests that the speaker is willing to do whatever it takes to overcome his temper and to become the person that God wants him to be.
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