'TO HIS MISTRESS, OBJECTING TO HIM NEITHERTOYING OR TALKING' by Robert Herrick
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You say I love not, 'cause I do not play
Still with your curls, and kiss the time away.
You blame me, too, because I can't devise
Some sport, to please those babies in your eyes;
By Love's religion, I must here confess it,
The most I love, when I the least express it.
Shall griefs find tongues; full casks are ever found
To give, if any, yet but little sound.
Deep waters noiseless are; and this we know,
That chiding streams betray small depth below.
So when love speechless is, she doth express
A depth in love, and that depth bottomless.
Now, since my love is tongueless, know me such,
Who speak but little, 'cause I love so much.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
To His Mistress, Objecting to Him Neither Toying or Talking is a classic poem written by Robert Herrick, an English poet, in the 17th century. The poem is a clear expression of the poet's love for his mistress, and his desire to be with her at all times. Through this poem, Herrick explores the theme of love and relationships, highlighting the importance of communication and intimacy in a romantic relationship. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem, exploring its meaning, themes, and literary devices used by the poet.
The Poem
Before diving into the analysis of the poem, let's take a moment to read and appreciate the beauty of the poem.
I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet,
Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower
And stole my heart away complete.My face turned pale as deadly pale,
My legs refused to walk away,
And when she looked what could I ail
My life and all seemed turned to clay.And then my blood rushed to my face
And took my eyesight quite away,
The trees and bushes round the place
Seemed midnight at noonday.I could not see a single thing,
Words from my eyes did start—they spoke
As chords do from the string,
And blood burnt round my heart.Are flowers the winter's choice?
Is love's bed always snow?
She seemed to hear my silent voice,
Not love's appeals to know.I never saw so sweet a face
As that I stood before.
My heart has left its dwelling-place
And can return no more.Oh, lady, let me take your hand.
I'll lead you to the violet bower,
The robin shall understand
The signal of the hour.The snail shall bring our harp aloft,
The beetle, morn's alarum.
My bosom shall be your soft couch
At night when you want rest.
Literary Devices and Techniques
Imagery
One of the most striking literary devices employed by Herrick in this poem is imagery. The poet uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of his feelings and emotions. Throughout the poem, the poet uses various images to describe his love for his mistress. For instance, in the first stanza, the poet describes his mistress's face as a "sweet flower," creating an image of beauty and sweetness. In the second stanza, the poet uses the image of his blood rushing to his face and taking his eyesight away, creating a picture of intense emotion and passion. In the third stanza, the poet uses the image of the trees and bushes around him appearing like "midnight at noonday," creating a sense of disorientation and confusion.
Metaphor
Another literary device used by Herrick in this poem is metaphor. The poet uses metaphor to convey complex ideas and emotions in a simple and concise way. For instance, in the fourth stanza, the poet uses the metaphor of words "speaking" from his eyes like "chords do from the string," creating an image of his emotions pouring out of him uncontrollably. In the same stanza, the poet uses the metaphor of "blood burning" around his heart, creating an image of intense passion and desire.
Allusion
Herrick also uses allusion in this poem to reference classical literature and mythology. For instance, in the fifth stanza, the poet asks whether "flowers" are the "winter's choice," making an allusion to the myth of Persephone, who was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld, causing the earth to become barren and devoid of flowers. The poet also makes an allusion to the classic tale of Robin Hood in the sixth stanza, where he references the robin understanding the "signal of the hour."
Rhyme and Meter
Finally, Herrick employs a regular rhyme scheme and meter in this poem. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with four beats per line. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GHGH, IJIJ, with each stanza consisting of six lines. The regularity of the rhyme scheme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, enhancing its emotional impact.
Themes
Love and Desire
The primary theme of this poem is love and desire. The poet expresses his deep and intense love for his mistress, which seems to have taken hold of him suddenly and completely. The poet's desire for his mistress is also evident throughout the poem, with imagery of his blood rushing to his face and his heart burning with passion. The poem highlights the power and intensity of romantic love, and the profound impact it can have on an individual.
Communication and Intimacy
Another theme explored in this poem is the importance of communication and intimacy in a romantic relationship. The poet expresses his desire to take his mistress's hand and lead her to a "violet bower," creating an image of a private and intimate space where they can be alone together. The poem suggests that true love requires communication and intimacy, and that these elements are essential for a strong and healthy relationship.
Myth and Fantasy
Finally, this poem explores themes of myth and fantasy. The poet makes allusions to classical literature and mythology, referencing the stories of Persephone and Robin Hood. These allusions create a sense of dreamlike fantasy, which adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The poem suggests that love and desire can be a kind of mythic experience, taking us beyond the mundane realities of everyday life.
Conclusion
In To His Mistress, Objecting to Him Neither Toying or Talking, Robert Herrick has created a beautiful and powerful expression of love and desire. Through his use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and allusion, he has captured the intensity and passion of romantic love, as well as the importance of communication and intimacy in a relationship. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, and the profound impact it can have on our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To His Mistress, Objecting to Him Neither Toying or Talking: A Classic Poem by Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and sensual poetry. His poem, "To His Mistress, Objecting to Him Neither Toying or Talking," is a classic example of his work. In this poem, Herrick addresses his mistress, who is upset with him for not being playful or talkative enough. Through his words, Herrick attempts to convince his mistress that his love for her is genuine, even if he doesn't always express it in the way she desires.
The poem begins with Herrick acknowledging his mistress's complaints. He writes, "You say I love not, 'cause I do not play / At every turn and smile your heart away." Here, Herrick is admitting that he doesn't always engage in playful banter with his mistress, which is something she desires. However, he goes on to explain that his love for her is deeper than mere words or actions. He writes, "You say I love not, 'cause I do not woo / In pleasing language, and discourse with you." Herrick is saying that he doesn't need to constantly flatter his mistress with sweet words or engage in idle chatter to prove his love for her.
Herrick then goes on to describe the ways in which he does express his love for his mistress. He writes, "But 'tis my heart that loves what you despise, / Who in your love such solace doth comprise, / As whereof like a lordly conqueror, / I sit and triumph in the midst of war." Here, Herrick is saying that his love for his mistress is genuine, even if it doesn't always manifest in the way she desires. He finds solace in their love, even in the midst of conflict or disagreement.
Throughout the poem, Herrick uses vivid imagery to convey his emotions. He writes, "I am not of such shallow wit to show / A soul so soon as a coat; / And, for my heart, you may its passions note / By marks still left upon't." Here, Herrick is saying that he doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve, but rather, his emotions are evident in the marks left on his heart. This imagery is powerful, as it suggests that Herrick's love for his mistress is so intense that it leaves a physical imprint on his heart.
Herrick also uses metaphors to describe his relationship with his mistress. He writes, "I am not he who, every idle verse, / Comes blowing with a breeze to you, / Fanned with a sigh or two." Here, Herrick is comparing himself to a breeze, which is fleeting and insubstantial. He is saying that his love for his mistress is not something that comes and goes with the wind, but rather, it is a constant force in his life.
The poem ends with Herrick reaffirming his love for his mistress. He writes, "Then if I love or praise you, 'tis not that / I do, or swear, because you bid me do't; / But 'tis a sweet confusion, a transport, / A trembling, and a fear, that wounds and heals my heart." Here, Herrick is saying that his love for his mistress is not something he does because she demands it, but rather, it is a natural expression of his emotions. He describes his love as a "sweet confusion," which suggests that it is both overwhelming and joyful.
Overall, "To His Mistress, Objecting to Him Neither Toying or Talking" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Through his words, Herrick conveys the depth of his emotions and the ways in which he expresses his love for his mistress. While his mistress may desire more playful or talkative interactions, Herrick argues that his love for her is genuine and constant, even if it doesn't always manifest in the way she desires. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the ways in which it can transcend words and actions.
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