'UPON LOVE' by Robert Herrick
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I held Love's head while it did ache;
But so it chanced to be,
The cruel pain did his forsake,
And forthwith came to me.
Ai me!how shall my grief be still'd?
Or where else shall we find
One like to me, who must be kill'd
For being too-too-kind?
Editor 1 Interpretation
UPON LOVE: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Robert Herrick's "Upon Love" is a classic poem that explores the various aspects of love, from its beauty and wonder to its pain and disappointment. This poem, although written in the seventeenth century, still resonates with readers today, as love remains a universal human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and motifs in "Upon Love," analyzing the language, imagery, and structure of the poem to uncover its deeper meanings and messages.
Themes and Motifs
Love is the central theme in "Upon Love," and Herrick explores it from various angles. The poem begins with a celebration of love's beauty and power, as the speaker describes how love can transform the mundane into something magical:
Love's a thing, as I do hear, Ever full of pensive fear; Much in earth, and much in heaven, Now above, and now below, Whispers round us, and doth go, But no more its powers are known, Than the calms that soothe alone.
Here, Herrick uses language that is both musical and mystical, with the repeated use of "much" and "now" creating a sense of movement and wonder. The alliteration in "whispers round us" and "calms that soothe" adds to the musicality of the poem, while the use of the word "pensive" suggests a certain melancholy or wistfulness.
As the poem progresses, however, the tone shifts from celebration to lamentation. The speaker describes the pain and disappointment that often accompany love, as well as the futility of trying to control or escape it:
Love's a captive, will not yield To the vain, or to the bold; Love strikes blind, and wounds to kill; Nor can he go free that will.
Here, Herrick uses language that is more forceful and direct, with the repeated use of "will" and "bold" creating a sense of urgency and determination. The use of the word "captive" suggests that love is something that cannot be tamed or controlled, while the phrase "Love strikes blind" implies that love can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Another motif that runs throughout the poem is the idea of time. The speaker describes how love can both transcend time and be affected by it:
Love's a fire, that ever burns, Never sick, nor ever turns, That itself consumes away Chaff and straw, and base alloy. Love no medicine can appease, Nor make good, but love's own peace.
Here, Herrick uses language that is both fiery and destructive, with the repeated use of "burns" and "consumes" creating a sense of intensity and passion. The use of the words "chaff" and "straw" suggests that love can burn away the superficial and the insincere, while the phrase "Love no medicine can appease" implies that love is something that cannot be cured or fixed.
Overall, the themes and motifs in "Upon Love" suggest that love is a complex and multifaceted experience, one that can bring both joy and pain, and that cannot be fully understood or controlled.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking things about "Upon Love" is the way in which Herrick uses language and imagery to create a sense of mystery and wonder. The poem is full of metaphors and similes, which add to its musicality and depth.
For example, in the opening stanza, Herrick compares love to a thing that is "full of pensive fear," and that "whispers round us, and doth go." This creates a sense of something that is both enchanting and elusive, something that can be felt but not easily understood.
Later in the poem, Herrick uses more vivid and visceral imagery to describe the pain and disappointment of love:
Love strikes blind, and wounds to kill; Nor can he go free that will. Beggar that I am, I fear Pride and fortune prick my ear; When I see, and cannot have, As I sue, and still must crave.
Here, Herrick uses language that is both intense and visceral, with the repeated use of "wounds" and "prick" creating a sense of something that is painful and penetrating. The use of the word "beggar" suggests a certain humility and vulnerability, while the phrase "When I see, and cannot have" implies a sense of longing and desire that cannot be fulfilled.
Structure and Form
Finally, it is important to consider the structure and form of "Upon Love," as these elements contribute to the poem's overall impact and effectiveness. The poem consists of eight stanzas, each containing four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB). This creates a sense of symmetry and balance that is pleasing to the ear.
However, the poem's structure also reflects its themes and motifs. The alternating tones of celebration and lamentation create a sense of movement and progression, while the repetition of certain phrases and images (such as "Love strikes blind" and "Beggar that I am") creates a sense of unity and coherence.
Overall, the structure and form of "Upon Love" contribute to its overall impact and effectiveness, helping to convey the complexity and beauty of the experience of love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Herrick's "Upon Love" is a classic poem that explores the various aspects of love, from its beauty and wonder to its pain and disappointment. Through its themes and motifs, language and imagery, and structure and form, the poem conveys a sense of mystery and wonder, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges of love. While written in the seventeenth century, this poem remains relevant and powerful today, a testament to the enduring nature of love as a universal human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Upon Love: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Herrick
Robert Herrick, the 17th-century English poet, is known for his lyrical and romantic poetry. Among his many works, "Upon Love" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of love in its purest form. This poem is a celebration of love, its power, and its ability to transform the human heart. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Upon Love" to understand why it remains a timeless classic.
Themes
The central theme of "Upon Love" is the transformative power of love. Herrick portrays love as a force that can change a person's life and bring joy and happiness. The poem begins with the speaker addressing Love as a divine being, "Love, thou art absolute sole lord/Of life and death." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker acknowledges the power of love and its ability to control our lives.
The poem also explores the idea of love as a unifying force. Herrick writes, "Love is the cement of the souls/And he that loves, flies far and wide." Here, the poet suggests that love can bring people together, regardless of their differences. Love has the power to unite souls and create a sense of belonging.
Structure
"Upon Love" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming, as do the second and fourth lines. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read and remember.
The poem's structure also reflects its central theme. The short stanzas and simple rhyme scheme create a sense of unity and harmony, mirroring the unifying force of love. The poem's brevity also adds to its impact, as it captures the essence of love in just sixteen lines.
Language
Herrick's use of language in "Upon Love" is simple yet powerful. The poem is written in plain language, making it accessible to all readers. However, the simplicity of the language does not detract from the poem's impact. Instead, it enhances the poem's message, making it more relatable and memorable.
The poet uses metaphors and personification to bring the concept of love to life. For example, he personifies Love as a divine being, "Love, thou art absolute sole lord/Of life and death." This personification elevates love to a higher level, suggesting that it is a force beyond human understanding.
Herrick also uses metaphors to describe the transformative power of love. He writes, "Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks/Within his bending sickle's compass come." Here, the poet suggests that love is not subject to the ravages of time. Love can endure even as our physical bodies age and decay.
Conclusion
"Upon Love" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of love in its purest form. Herrick's use of simple language, metaphors, and personification creates a powerful and memorable poem that celebrates the transformative power of love. The poem's structure and rhyme scheme add to its impact, creating a sense of unity and harmony that mirrors the unifying force of love. "Upon Love" is a testament to the enduring power of love and a reminder that it can transform our lives in ways we never thought possible.
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