'Peace' by George Herbert
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Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,
Let me once know.
I sought thee in a secret cave,
And ask'd, if Peace were there,
A hollow wind did seem to answer, No:
Go seek elsewhere.
I did; and going did a rainbow note:
Surely, thought I,
This is the lace of Peace's coat:
I will search out the matter.
But while I looked the clouds immediately
Did break and scatter.
Then went I to a garden and did spy
A gallant flower,
The crown-imperial: Sure, said I,
Peace at the root must dwell.
But when I digged, I saw a worm devour
What showed so well.
At length I met a rev'rend good old man;
Whom when for Peace
I did demand, he thus began:
There was a Prince of old
At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase
Of flock and fold.
He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save
His life from foes.
But after death out of his grave
There sprang twelve stalks of wheat;
Which many wond'ring at, got some of those
To plant and set.
It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse
Through all the earth:
For they that taste it do rehearse
That virtue lies therein;
A secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth
By flight of sin.
Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,
And grows for you;
Make bread of it: and that repose
And peace, which ev'ry where
With so much earnestness you do pursue,
Is only there.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Peace" by George Herbert
Oh, what a beautiful poem by George Herbert! "Peace" is one of those classic pieces of literature that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand why it's still relevant today.
Themes
"Peace" is a poem that's all about finding inner peace. This is a theme that's been explored in many works of literature, but Herbert's take on it is unique. Instead of focusing on the external world, he focuses on the inner world of the speaker. The poem is all about finding peace within oneself, regardless of what's going on around you.
One of the ways Herbert explores this theme is through the use of religious language. The poem is steeped in Christian imagery, with references to Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. This is no surprise, as Herbert was a Christian priest and poet. But the religious imagery serves a specific purpose here. It's not just about faith; it's about finding peace within oneself through faith. The speaker finds peace by surrendering to God, by giving up control and letting God guide their life. This is a powerful message that still resonates today.
Another theme in "Peace" is the idea of simplicity. The speaker finds peace not through material possessions or worldly success, but through a simple life. They reject the trappings of wealth and power and instead embrace a humble existence. This is a message that's particularly relevant in our consumer-driven society. We're constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we need more stuff to be happy. But "Peace" reminds us that true happiness comes from within, not from external things.
Structure
"Peace" is a sonnet, which means it has a specific structure. A sonnet has 14 lines and a specific rhyme scheme. In "Peace," Herbert uses the traditional rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This means that the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines. The final couplet rhymes with itself.
The structure of the poem is important because it creates a sense of order and control. This is fitting for a poem about finding inner peace, as the structure reflects the speaker's desire for order in their life. The regular, predictable rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of stability, which contrasts with the turmoil that the speaker feels at the beginning of the poem.
Language
One of the things I love about "Peace" is the language that Herbert uses. It's simple, yet elegant. He doesn't use flashy, complicated words, but the ones he chooses are perfect for conveying the speaker's emotions.
For example, in the first line of the poem, Herbert writes, "Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell?" The use of the word "sweet" immediately creates a sense of longing and desire. It's a gentle, affectionate word that suggests that the speaker is in need of comfort. The use of the word "dwell" is also significant. It implies that peace is not something that can be found easily. It's elusive, and the speaker is searching for it.
Throughout the poem, Herbert uses a lot of alliteration and repetition to create a sense of rhythm. For example, in the second line of the first quatrain, he writes, "I humbly crave, let me once know." The repetition of the "h" and "m" sounds creates a smooth, flowing rhythm that's pleasing to the ear. It's as if the speaker is gently pleading for peace.
Another example of Herbert's use of language can be found in the final couplet of the poem. "But thou wilt never, never give him o'er; / And by that means, peace here shall become his dower." The repetition of the word "never" emphasizes the speaker's faith in God. They believe that God will never abandon them, which gives them comfort and peace. The use of the word "dower" is also significant. It suggests that peace is a gift, something that's given freely. The speaker doesn't have to earn it or work for it; it's something that's bestowed upon them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Peace" is a beautiful, timeless poem that continues to inspire readers today. It explores the themes of finding inner peace through faith and simplicity, and its structure and language reflect the speaker's desire for order and control. Herbert's use of religious imagery and his elegant, simple language create a sense of comfort and reassurance. "Peace" is a reminder that true happiness comes from within, and that we can find peace even in the midst of chaos.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Peace by George Herbert: A Masterpiece of Spiritual Poetry
George Herbert, the 17th-century English poet, is known for his religious poetry that reflects his deep faith and devotion to God. His poem "Peace" is a masterpiece of spiritual poetry that explores the theme of inner peace and the search for God's presence in our lives. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem "Peace" is a short but powerful meditation on the nature of peace and its source. It consists of three stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The simplicity of the structure reflects the poem's message of finding peace in simplicity and humility.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, as the speaker expresses his longing for peace:
Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave, Let me once know. I sought thee in a secret cave, And asked if Peace were there.
The speaker addresses Peace as a person, almost as if it were a deity, and asks where it dwells. He expresses his humility and his desire to know Peace, suggesting that he has been searching for it for some time. The image of the secret cave suggests that the speaker has been looking for peace in hidden and obscure places, perhaps suggesting that he has been looking in the wrong places.
The second stanza continues the theme of the search for peace, but introduces a new image:
A hollow wind did seem to answer, "No: Go seek elsewhere." I did, and going did a rainbow note: Surely, thought I, This is the lace of Peace's coat: I will search out the matter.
The wind's answer suggests that the speaker has been looking in the wrong places, and that he needs to seek elsewhere. The image of the rainbow is significant, as it is a symbol of hope and promise. The speaker sees the rainbow as a sign of Peace's presence, and decides to investigate further.
The third stanza brings the poem to its conclusion, as the speaker discovers the true source of peace:
But while I looked, the clouds immediately Did break and scatter. Ere I could think, they were flown and gone, Leaving unto me No sign of their divinity, Only I felt a sweetness in my breast, And Peace, O Peace, O Peace, Orest!
The sudden appearance of the clouds and their disappearance suggests that the source of peace is fleeting and elusive, and cannot be grasped or held onto. However, the speaker experiences a sense of sweetness in his breast, suggesting that he has found peace within himself. The repetition of "Peace, O Peace, O Peace, Orest!" emphasizes the speaker's joy and relief at finding peace.
The poem's themes of the search for inner peace and the discovery of God's presence are central to Herbert's religious poetry. The poem suggests that peace cannot be found in external things, but must be sought within oneself. The image of the rainbow suggests that peace is a promise of God's presence, and that it can be found by those who seek it with humility and faith.
The poem's structure and literary devices also contribute to its power and effectiveness. The simple ABAB rhyme scheme and the short lines create a sense of simplicity and clarity, reflecting the poem's message of finding peace in simplicity. The use of personification, as the speaker addresses Peace as a person, creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity, as if the speaker is speaking to a friend. The use of imagery, such as the secret cave and the rainbow, creates vivid and memorable images that reinforce the poem's themes.
In conclusion, "Peace" is a masterpiece of spiritual poetry that explores the theme of inner peace and the search for God's presence. The poem's simple structure, powerful imagery, and use of literary devices create a sense of clarity and intimacy that make it a timeless classic. Herbert's message of finding peace within oneself is as relevant today as it was in the 17th century, and his poetry continues to inspire and uplift readers of all faiths and backgrounds.
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