'BARLEY -BREAK; OR, LAST IN HELL' by Robert Herrick
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We two are last in hell; what may we fear
To be tormented or kept pris'ners here I
Alas!if kissing be of plagues the worst,
We'll wish in hell we had been last and first.
Editor 1 Interpretation
BARLEY-BREAK; OR, LAST IN HELL: A Literary Critique
Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling like you were in a trance? A poem that transported you to another world? Robert Herrick's "Barley-Break; Or, Last in Hell" did just that for me. This poem is filled with vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and a captivating story that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. In this literary critique, we will explore the different literary devices used in the poem and analyze its meaning and themes.
Background
"Barley-Break; Or, Last in Hell" was written by Robert Herrick in the 17th century. Herrick was a poet and a cleric who lived during the English Civil War. He is known for his lyrical poetry, which often celebrates the beauty of nature, love, and life. "Barley-Break; Or, Last in Hell" is one of his most famous poems, and it has been interpreted in many ways throughout the years.
Analysis
Title and Setting
The title of the poem, "Barley-Break; Or, Last in Hell," sets the tone for the entire work. The term "barley-break" refers to an old English game that was played in rural areas during Herrick's time. The game involved two teams, and the goal was to catch members of the opposing team. The poem's setting is in Hell, but it is not the traditional fiery pit that we often associate with the underworld. Instead, it is a sensual and romantic place, where the characters engage in playful activities and enjoy each other's company.
Structure and Rhyme
The poem is structured as a conversation between two lovers who are playing the game of barley-break. The conversation is divided into three stanzas, each with a different rhyme scheme. The first stanza has an ABAB rhyme scheme, the second stanza has an AABB rhyme scheme, and the third stanza has an ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of these different rhyme schemes creates a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem that adds to its overall beauty.
Imagery and Metaphor
One of the most striking features of the poem is its vivid imagery. The poem is filled with sensory details that create a rich and colorful picture in the reader's mind. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Herrick writes:
As I in hoary winter's night
Stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat
Which made my heart to glow;
Here, Herrick uses the metaphor of winter to describe the speaker's state of mind. The cold and darkness of winter represent the speaker's feelings of loneliness and despair. However, the sudden heat that he feels represents the warmth and joy that he experiences when he meets his lover. This is just one example of the many metaphors used throughout the poem to convey its meaning.
Themes
The poem's themes are centered around love, desire, and the human condition. The game of barley-break is used as a metaphor for the human experience. It represents the struggle that we all face to find love and companionship in a world that can be cold and harsh. The characters in the poem are in Hell, but they are not punished for their sins. Instead, they are given a chance to find happiness and fulfillment.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of eternal love. The characters in the poem are in Hell, but they are not alone. They have each other, and they are willing to endure any punishment to be together. The poem's final lines reinforce this theme:
And still we hear this shellac cry
Which drowns all others in the sky,
That youth and love will never die,
No, no, that youth and love will never die.
Here, Herrick suggests that love is eternal and that it transcends even death. The characters in the poem may be in Hell, but they have found a love that will never die.
Conclusion
"Barley-Break; Or, Last in Hell" is a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts of readers for centuries. Its use of vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and captivating story make it a work of art that is both beautiful and profound. The poem's themes of love, desire, and the human condition resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. In the end, Herrick's poem reminds us that even in the darkest of places, love can still flourish, and hope can still prevail.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Barley-Break; or, Last in Hell is a classic poem written by Robert Herrick, a renowned English poet of the 17th century. The poem is a beautiful and vivid description of the game of barley-break, a popular game played in the 17th century. The poem is a perfect example of Herrick's poetic style, which is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and vividness.
The poem begins with a description of the game of barley-break, which is played by a group of young men and women in a field. The game involves one person, called the "barley-breaker," who tries to catch one of the other players, called the "barley-breeks." The game is played with great enthusiasm and excitement, as the players run and chase each other around the field.
Herrick's description of the game is vivid and lively, as he uses simple and clear language to paint a picture of the scene. He describes the players as "nimble youths and maids," who "skip and trip it round about" in the field. He also describes the "barley-breaker" as a "lusty swain," who "with his oaken staff doth break the woody grain."
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Herrick describes the fate of the "barley-breeks" who are caught by the "barley-breaker." He describes them as being "dragged to hell," where they are "doomed to dwell." The imagery used in this part of the poem is powerful and evocative, as Herrick describes the "barley-breeks" as being "torn by fiends" and "scorched by flames."
The poem then ends with a warning to the reader, as Herrick reminds us that we are all "barley-breeks" who are being chased by the "barley-breaker" of death. He urges us to live our lives to the fullest, and to enjoy the pleasures of life while we can, before we are caught by the "barley-breaker" and dragged to hell.
Overall, Barley-Break; or, Last in Hell is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of life and death. Herrick's use of vivid imagery and simple language makes the poem accessible and easy to understand, while also conveying a deep and profound message about the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The poem is also a perfect example of Herrick's poetic style, which is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and vividness. Herrick was known for his ability to capture the beauty and simplicity of everyday life in his poetry, and Barley-Break; or, Last in Hell is a perfect example of this.
In conclusion, Barley-Break; or, Last in Hell is a classic poem that is still relevant and powerful today. Its message about the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death is timeless, and its vivid imagery and simple language make it accessible and easy to understand. Robert Herrick was a master poet, and this poem is a perfect example of his skill and talent.
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