'A MEAN IN OUR MEANS' by Robert Herrick
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Though frankincense the deities require,
We must not give all to the hallow'd fire.
Such be our gifts, and such be our expense,
As for ourselves to leave some frankince
Editor 1 Interpretation
A MEAN IN OUR MEANS: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you ready to be transported back to the 17th century? Robert Herrick's "A Mean in Our Means" does just that with its archaic language and detailed descriptions of daily life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly mundane subject matter, for Herrick's poem is full of depth and meaning.
Context and Analysis
First, let's examine the context in which the poem was written. Herrick was a poet in the 17th century, during the reign of King Charles I. This was a time of great political and religious upheaval in England, as tensions between the monarchy and parliament, as well as between different religious factions, were high.
In "A Mean in Our Means," Herrick addresses the practical concerns of everyday life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. This emphasis on material things was not uncommon during the time, as people were often struggling to make ends meet. However, Herrick's treatment of these subjects is unique in that he infuses them with a sense of spirituality and gratitude.
The poem begins with an acknowledgement of the difficulties of life:
I'll never be so bold, as to crave the highest place;
Nor beg, as dear, for grace,
As they that hourly pace
Upon the world's broad back,
With no small burthen on their back.
Herrick recognizes that life can be hard, and that some people are burdened with more than others. However, he does not wallow in despair or bitterness. Instead, he offers a solution:
But this I crave, since it is in vain to crave for more,
That I may never have a poor,
But a contented mind;
And when I'm most opprest,
Then let me die, as let me rest
Within my mother earth's warm womb,
Free from all grief and gloom.
Herrick acknowledges that material wealth will not bring true happiness, and instead desires a contented mind. He also sees death as a release from the burdens of life, and longs for the peace of the earth.
Throughout the poem, Herrick uses vivid imagery to describe the objects and experiences of daily life. For example, he describes the pleasure of a good meal:
Give me a dish of meat,
Strong, brisk, and far from leane;
That, whether it be fish or flesh,
All may be one, and I the flesh;
Thus made for me by thee,
Thou art my feast, my meat, and al my luxury.
Here, Herrick revels in the pleasure of a hearty meal, but also sees it as a gift from God. The food is not just fuel for the body, but a means of spiritual nourishment as well.
Similarly, Herrick describes the comfort of a warm fire:
Of all those helpefull things,
There's none like unto fire;
Which, being dead, the body flings
But now the soul draws nigher,
And warms and moves,
Upon the wings of zeal and love.
Again, Herrick sees the physical warmth of the fire as a symbol of spiritual warmth and emotion.
Themes and Symbolism
So what are the themes and symbols at play in "A Mean in Our Means"? One of the main themes is the idea that material things can be infused with spiritual significance. Herrick sees the objects of daily life as gifts from God, and finds joy in the simple pleasures of food, warmth, and shelter.
Another theme is the idea of contentment. Herrick recognizes that striving for material wealth and status is not the path to true happiness. Instead, he desires a contented mind and a peaceful death.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a meditation on mortality. Herrick acknowledges the difficulties of life, but also sees death as a release from those burdens. He longs for the peace of the earth and the warmth of the womb.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Mean in Our Means" is a deeply reflective and spiritual poem that explores the relationship between material things and spiritual well-being. Herrick's vivid imagery and archaic language transport the reader to a different time and place, but the themes he explores are timeless and relevant to our lives today. So take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and remember that true happiness comes from within.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire thoughts, and convey messages that are otherwise difficult to articulate. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Mean in Our Means" by Robert Herrick. This classic poem is a beautiful representation of the human desire for simplicity and contentment.
The poem begins with the lines, "A mean in our means, and a rest in our end; / Is all that we ask for, whereever we wend." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the human desire for a simple and peaceful life. The word "mean" in this context refers to a middle ground, a balance between excess and deficiency. The poet is suggesting that we should strive for a life that is neither too extravagant nor too meager, but rather one that is just right.
The second line of the poem, "a rest in our end," is a reference to death. The poet is suggesting that we should strive for a life that is peaceful and content, so that when we reach the end of our lives, we can rest in peace. This idea of a peaceful end is a recurring theme in many of Herrick's poems, and it is a reflection of his belief in the importance of living a good life.
The next few lines of the poem describe the various ways in which we can achieve this balance in our lives. The poet suggests that we should be content with what we have, and not constantly strive for more. He writes, "We're all out of tune, / What we speak one day, we repent it so soon." This line is a reminder that our desires are often fleeting, and that we should be careful not to pursue things that we will later regret.
The poet also suggests that we should be mindful of our actions, and not act impulsively. He writes, "We shoot out our seeds, and we spill out our wine, / Which may neither be gathered, nor kept from the swine." This line is a metaphor for the way in which we often waste our resources, both material and emotional. The poet is suggesting that we should be careful not to waste our time and energy on things that are not important.
The final lines of the poem are a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of the time that we have. The poet writes, "Then since we are born to die, / And spirits do onely quicken and go, / As warm weather draws on cold, / Farewell all, and be merry, be merry, my friends." These lines are a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should enjoy it while we can. The repetition of the phrase "be merry" is a reminder that we should be happy and content, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "A Mean in Our Means" is a beautiful poem that speaks to the human desire for simplicity and contentment. The poet suggests that we should strive for a life that is balanced, neither too extravagant nor too meager. He reminds us to be content with what we have, and to be mindful of our actions. The poem is a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of the time that we have. It is a timeless message that is as relevant today as it was when it was written over 400 years ago.
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