'A THANKSGIVING TO GOD, FOR HIS HOUSE' by Robert Herrick
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Lord, thou hast given me a cell,
Wherein to dwell;
A little house, whose humble roof
Is weather proof;
Under the spars of which I lie
Both soft and dry;
Where thou, my chamber for to ward,
Hast set a guard
Of harmless thoughts, to watch and keep
Me, while I sleep.
Low is my porch, as is my fate;
Both void of state;
And yet the threshold of my door
Is worn by th' poor,
Who thither come, and freely get
Good words, or meat.
Like as my parlour, so my hall
And kitchen's small;
A little buttery, and therein
A little bin,
Which keeps my little loaf of bread
Unchipt, unflead;
Some brittle sticks of thorn or briar
Make me a fire,
Close by whose living coal I sit,
And glow like it.
Lord, I confess too, when I dine,
The pulse is thine,
And all those other bits that be
There placed by thee;
The worts, the purslain, and the mess
Of water-cress,
Which of thy kindness thou hast sent;
And my content
Makes those, and my beloved beet,
To be more sweet.
'Tis thou that crown'st my glittering hearth
With guiltless mirth,
And giv'st me wassail bowls to drink,
Spiced to the brink.
Lord, 'tis thy plenty-dropping hand
That soils my land,
And giv'st me, for my bushel sown,
Twice ten for one;
Thou mak'st my teeming hen to lay
Her egg each day;
Besides, my healthful ewes to bear
Me twins each year;
The while the conduits of my kine
Run cream, for wine:
All these, and better, thou dost send
Me, to this end,--
That I should render, for my part,
A thankful heart;
Which, fired with incense, I resign,
As wholly thine;
--But the acceptance, that must be,
My Christ, by Thee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A THANKSGIVING TO GOD, FOR HIS HOUSE: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Poetry has always been a medium of expressing gratitude, and Robert Herrick's poem "A Thanksgiving to God, for His House" is no exception. The poem, published in 1648, is a tribute to a house that Herrick lived in for over 20 years, and its verses express his gratitude to God for the safety, comfort and joy he experienced within its walls. In this literary criticism, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, language, and symbolism to understand its deeper meanings and appreciate its beauty.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is gratitude. Herrick's words are a heartfelt expression of his thankfulness for the blessings he has received. He is grateful for the house that has provided him shelter, warmth, and comfort, and for the memories it has helped him create. He acknowledges God's role in providing him with these blessings and expresses his gratitude to the Almighty for His generosity.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the concept of home. Herrick's house is not just a physical structure, but also a symbol of the emotional and psychological comfort that he derives from being in a familiar space. He describes the house as a place of safety, where he can escape from the stresses of the world and find solace in familiar surroundings. The house becomes a metaphor for the security and stability that a home provides, and Herrick expresses his gratitude for this sense of belongingness.
The poem also touches upon the themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Herrick is aware that his time in the house is limited and that he will eventually have to leave it. He reflects on the transience of human existence and the fact that all material possessions eventually fade away. However, even in the face of this impermanence, Herrick chooses to focus on the positive memories and experiences he has had in the house, rather than mourn its eventual loss.
Structure
The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing six lines. The consistent structure of the poem gives it a sense of order and symmetry, and the brevity of each stanza creates a sense of momentum that carries the reader through the poem. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCC, which creates a sing-song quality to the verses and adds to the sense of gratitude and joy that pervades the poem.
Language
The language of the poem is simple and straightforward. Herrick uses a mix of archaic and modern language, which adds to the timeless quality of the poem. The use of archaic language, such as "thy" and "thou," highlights the religious and spiritual nature of the poem, while the modern language makes it accessible to contemporary readers.
The poem is filled with imagery that evokes a sense of comfort and warmth. Herrick uses words like "safe" and "rest," and imagery like "the chimney's fiery grace" to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. He also uses vivid metaphors, such as "the altar of my joy" and "my grateful incense rise," to express his thankfulness to God in a powerful and evocative way.
Symbolism
The house in the poem is a powerful symbol of stability and safety. It represents the idea of home, and the sense of belonging that comes with it. The house also becomes a symbol of the blessings that God provides, and the gratitude that Herrick feels towards the Almighty.
The chimney in the poem is another symbol that Herrick uses to express his gratitude. The chimney represents warmth and comfort, and it becomes a metaphor for the love and kindness that Herrick has experienced in the house. The chimney's "fiery grace" also symbolizes the spiritual warmth that Herrick feels in his heart, as a result of God's blessings.
Interpretation
At its core, "A Thanksgiving to God, for His House" is a poem about gratitude. Herrick's words are a testament to the power of thankfulness, and its ability to bring joy and comfort even in the face of life's difficulties. The poem is a reminder that no matter how challenging life may be, there is always something to be thankful for, and that expressing gratitude can bring us closer to God and to ourselves.
The poem also speaks to the importance of home and the sense of belonging that it provides. Herrick's house is not just a physical structure, but also a symbol of the emotional and psychological comfort that comes from being in a familiar space. The poem is a tribute to the power of home, and its ability to provide us with a sense of safety and stability in a chaotic world.
In conclusion, "A Thanksgiving to God, for His House" is a beautiful and heartfelt poem that celebrates the power of thankfulness and the importance of home. Its simple language, vivid imagery, and powerful symbolism make it a timeless work that continues to inspire gratitude and appreciation in readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A THANKSGIVING TO GOD, FOR HIS HOUSE: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick, a renowned English poet, is known for his lyrical and pastoral poetry. His works are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and wit. Among his many poems, "A Thanksgiving to God, for His House" stands out as a masterpiece of religious poetry. This poem is a celebration of the beauty and sanctity of God's house, and a thanksgiving for the blessings that it brings.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward language, with no complex metaphors or allusions. This simplicity is one of the hallmarks of Herrick's poetry, and it makes his works accessible to a wide audience.
The first stanza of the poem begins with a declaration of thanksgiving to God for his house. The speaker praises the beauty of the house, which is adorned with "pillars, arches, and the gorgeous roof." The use of these architectural elements creates a sense of grandeur and majesty, which is fitting for a house of God. The speaker also notes the "holy fire" that burns within the house, which is a reference to the altar where sacrifices were made in the Old Testament. This fire symbolizes the presence of God, and the speaker is grateful for the opportunity to worship in such a sacred space.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of thanksgiving, but shifts the focus to the people who worship in the house. The speaker notes that the house is filled with "saints and angels," who sing praises to God. This image of a heavenly choir is a common motif in religious poetry, and it emphasizes the idea that worship is a communal activity. The speaker also notes that the people who worship in the house are "blessed with peace and rest." This is a reference to the spiritual benefits of worship, which include a sense of inner peace and contentment.
The third stanza of the poem concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving to God. The speaker asks God to bless the house and its inhabitants, and to protect them from harm. The speaker also asks God to "let never wickedness / Approach to violate the sacredness." This is a plea for God's protection against evil, and a recognition of the fragility of the human spirit. The poem ends with a final expression of gratitude, as the speaker declares that "all the blessings of our peace / Are blessings that from thee increase."
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. The architectural elements of the house, such as the pillars and arches, create a sense of grandeur and majesty. The use of fire as a symbol of God's presence is also powerful, as it emphasizes the idea that worship is a sacred act. The image of the heavenly choir is another example of powerful imagery, as it creates a sense of awe and wonder.
Another notable aspect of this poem is its use of language. Herrick's language is simple and straightforward, but it is also elegant and poetic. The use of alliteration, such as "pillars, arches, and the gorgeous roof," creates a musical quality to the poem. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "blessings," emphasizes the theme of thanksgiving and gratitude.
Overall, "A Thanksgiving to God, for His House" is a masterpiece of religious poetry. It celebrates the beauty and sanctity of God's house, and expresses gratitude for the blessings that it brings. The poem's use of imagery and language creates a sense of grandeur and majesty, while also emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of Herrick's poetry. This poem is a testament to the power of religious poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit, and it remains a classic of English literature to this day.
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