'THE KISS:A DIALOGUE' by Robert Herrick


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1Among thy fancies, tell me this,
What is the thing we call a kiss?
2I shall resolve ye what it is:--

It is a creature born and bred
Between the lips, all cherry-red,
By love and warm desires fed,--
CHOR.And makes more soft the bridal bed.

2It is an active flame, that flies
First to the babies of the eyes,
And charms them there with lullabies,--
CHOR.And stills the bride, too, when she cries.

2Then to the chin, the cheek, the ear,
It frisks and flies, now here, now there:
'Tis now far off, and then 'tis near,--
CHOR.And here, and there, and every where.

1Has it a speaking virtue?2Yes.
1How speaks it, say?2Do you but this,--
Part your join'd lips, then speaks your kiss;
CHOR.And this Love's sweetest language is.

1Has it a body?2Ay, and wings,
With thousand rare encolourings;
And as it flies, it gently sings--
CHOR.Love honey yields, but never stings.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Kiss: A Dialogue - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that can make you feel the rush of love and excitement in just a few words? Look no further than Robert Herrick's "The Kiss: A Dialogue." This classic poem, written in the 17th century, still manages to capture the essence of love, passion, and intimacy in a way that is both timeless and universally relatable.

Overview

"The Kiss: A Dialogue" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas, each containing four lines. As the title suggests, the poem is written in the form of a dialogue between two lovers, who are discussing the act of kissing. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a musical and rhythmic quality. The language used by Herrick is simple yet elegant, and the imagery he employs is sensual and evocative.

Interpretation

At its core, "The Kiss: A Dialogue" is a poem about the power of physical intimacy and the way it can strengthen the bond between two people in love. The poem begins with one lover asking the other if they have ever kissed someone before. The question may seem innocuous at first, but it quickly becomes clear that the speaker is trying to gauge the other's level of experience.

The second stanza is where the poem truly shines. In it, the two lovers discuss the act of kissing itself. The speaker describes the act of kissing as a "sweet delight" and a "holy balm." These words evoke a sense of tenderness and reverence that is often associated with physical intimacy. The speaker goes on to say that "kissing is like drinking wine," which suggests that the act of kissing is both intoxicating and pleasurable.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant. The speaker says that "I'll drink to thee / Only with mine eyes." This line suggests that the speaker is so in love with their partner that they would be content just to look at them and admire their beauty. The line also hints at the idea that the act of kissing is so powerful that it can be compared to drinking wine, which is known for its intoxicating effects.

Themes

One of the main themes of "The Kiss: A Dialogue" is the power of physical intimacy in a romantic relationship. The poem suggests that kissing is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one as well. The use of words like "holy balm" and "sweet delight" suggests that the act of kissing is imbued with a sense of reverence and tenderness.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of experience. The first stanza suggests that one lover is trying to gauge the other's level of experience with kissing. This theme is further developed in the second stanza, where the speaker describes the act of kissing as something that can be perfected with practice.

Literary Devices

Herrick employs several literary devices in "The Kiss: A Dialogue" that help to enhance the poem's overall effect. One of the most notable devices is the use of imagery. The poem is filled with sensual and evocative images that help to convey the intensity of the lovers' emotions. The use of words like "sweet delight" and "holy balm" creates a sense of tenderness and reverence that is both beautiful and poignant.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "kissing is like drinking wine" is repeated twice in the second stanza, which helps to emphasize the importance of the act of kissing in the lovers' relationship. The repetition also helps to create a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem.

Conclusion

"The Kiss: A Dialogue" is a beautiful and timeless poem that captures the essence of love, passion, and intimacy in just a few short stanzas. The use of imagery, repetition, and other literary devices helps to create a work that is both musical and deeply emotional. The poem's themes of physical intimacy and experience are still relevant today, making it a work that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Kiss: A Dialogue by Robert Herrick is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and romantic piece that captures the essence of love and passion. The poem is a dialogue between two lovers who are discussing the power of a kiss. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

The poem is structured as a dialogue between two lovers, with each stanza representing a different speaker. The first speaker is the male lover, who begins by asking his female counterpart if she has ever experienced the power of a kiss. He then goes on to describe the physical sensations that a kiss can evoke, such as the warmth and softness of the lips. The second speaker, the female lover, responds by acknowledging the power of a kiss and describing the emotional impact it can have. She speaks of the way a kiss can make her feel loved and cherished, and how it can bring her closer to her partner.

The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The dialogue format allows the two lovers to express their thoughts and feelings about the power of a kiss in a natural and conversational way. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality and adds to its romantic tone.

One of the main themes of the poem is the power of physical touch. The male lover describes the physical sensations of a kiss, such as the warmth and softness of the lips, while the female lover speaks of the emotional impact it can have. This theme is further emphasized by the use of sensory language throughout the poem. The male lover speaks of the "rosy lips" and "balmy breath" of his partner, while the female lover describes the way a kiss can make her feel "ravished" and "enslaved."

Another theme of the poem is the idea of love as a transformative force. The female lover speaks of the way a kiss can bring her closer to her partner and make her feel loved and cherished. This idea is further emphasized by the use of religious imagery in the poem. The male lover compares the power of a kiss to that of a sacrament, while the female lover speaks of being "enslaved" by her partner's love.

The language of the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of sensory language, such as "rosy lips" and "balmy breath," creates a vivid image of the physical sensations of a kiss. The use of religious imagery, such as the comparison of a kiss to a sacrament, adds to the poem's romantic and spiritual tone. The repetition of the phrase "kiss me" throughout the poem creates a sense of urgency and desire, emphasizing the power of physical touch and the transformative nature of love.

In conclusion, The Kiss: A Dialogue by Robert Herrick is a beautiful and romantic poem that explores the power of physical touch and the transformative nature of love. The dialogue format allows the two lovers to express their thoughts and feelings about the power of a kiss in a natural and conversational way, while the use of sensory language and religious imagery creates a vivid and powerful image of the physical and emotional impact of a kiss. This poem is a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of readers today.

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